Frequently Asked Questions and Fees

What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Whilst counselling and psychotherapy can overlap, generally speaking counselling tends to deal with your current life problems whereas psychotherapy tends to be more appropriate for those seeking to deal with problems rooted in the past. It requires a skilled and experienced therapist to determine with you the best approach for resolving your difficulties. You may have a need to go back into your past to gain insight and clarity into the origins of your current difficulties in order to make sense of your world in the here and now. Or it may be that you have a preference to find ways to move forward without the need of re-visiting your past.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?

The terms 'psychologist' and 'psychiatrist' can be used interchangeably to describe anyone who provides mental health services. Whilst psychologists and psychiatrists both conduct psychotherapy and research, there are significant differences between the two professions. The simple answer is that a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, while a psychologist is not. Educational background is the most obvious difference. Psychologists receive graduate training in psychology and pursue either a PhD or PsyD in clinical or counselling psychology. Psychiatrists are physicians that have specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses. A second important distinction between the two careers is that psychiatrists can prescribe medication, while psychologists cannot.

What is family therapy?

Family Therapy may also be referred to as Family and Systemic Psychotherapy. This type of psychotherapy focuses on the context of your family and close relationships. This means that Family and Systemic Psychotherapists are interested in relationships between people, rather than focusing only on what may be happening within individuals. Exploration is made of the patterns and belief systems held around a particular problem or dilemma, in search of solutions. There is no right or wrong way of thinking about relationships. Instead the family and the therapist work in partnership to find a favorable outcome that fits for the family.

How often will I need to attend for therapy appointments?

For most psychotherapy or counselling sessions, you would need to be able to attend for weekly appointments. Your therapist will explore with you how frequent your appointments will need to be and a rough guide as to how long you might need to be in therapy for. These issues are generally discussed and agreed during your initial appointment.

How long does each session last?

Most psychotherapy and counselling sessions last for 50 minutes

How will I feel during my therapy?

It is not uncommon for therapy to evoke a range of feelings from a sense of relief at having shared your concerns/problems to more difficult feelings which might be associated with the issues that initially brought you into therapy.

How long will I need to attend for?

How long you would need to be in therapy for really depends on the nature of your difficulties and what you hope to achieve by coming into therapy. Some people come into therapy for a limited time, anything from 8-10 sessions and other people can be in therapy for months or even years.

How much will it cost?

Fees will be discussed and agreed in advance of you attending, your fees can be payable at the time of each appointment or can be invoiced at the end of every month.

All fees are dependent upon the type of treatment intervention, but will range from £85.00-£100.00 per consultation. We do offer some reduced rates but these are subject to availability.

24 hours notice is required if you need to cancel your appointment, otherwise you will be charged for your missed appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions and Fees

Our Services