Some common questions about counselling and how we work.
How will I know that I need Counselling or Psychotherapy?
Counselling or Psychotherapy is incredibly useful for anyone looking for help in improving themselves. From those seeking to enhance their self-confidence to seeking out advice for a specific personal or family crisis.
What happens within a counselling session?
There is no set method to counselling; it depends a great deal on the individual and what pace they’d like to take for their sessions. In the body of a course, the individual can talk about anything that’s on their mind from their aspirations to moments in their life that they believe affected them in some way.
More structured therapy sessions can consist of treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which offers more of a tiered approach towards personal development.
What can counselling help me with?
- Anxiety conditions (GAD, Panic Disorder, Social anxieties, Agoraphobia)
- Stress and pressure management
- Personal and Relationship crises (Divorce, relationship/couples counselling, marriage difficulties, Wedding issues, Life adjustment counselling)
- Depression (Chronic, Bipolar Disorder, Low mood, suicidal thoughts)
- Sexual health problems (Pornography addiction, sex addiction, loss of desire, infertility)
- Psychological trauma (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from a recent or distant event)
- Phobias and fears
- Eating conditions (Bulimia, Anorexia, Body Dysmorphic Disorder)
- Bereavement or loss
Who seeks out counselling?
We offer an open and positive environment for anyone seeking help for a problem that they suffer from. We provide this to everyone, regardless of religion, sexual orientation, age group, etc. Counselling offers benefits to couples, individuals and anyone seeking help.
How do I make the first step in getting counselling?
Getting in touch with us and booking a therapy consultation is the first step in your journey for help. This can be done through our online form, calling us or visiting one of our centres.
For a specific service such as psychotherapy or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, an initial consultation can help match you up with the service we believe will help you the most.
Is counselling the right thing for me?
We offer a great deal of variety in the kinds of counselling we provide in our therapy clinic in London. This depends on what our team believes is the best course of action, while also taking into consideration your personal desires for treatment.
From Humanist Counselling to psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, our range of services means that if one form of counselling doesn’t suit you, we are able to tailor-make an approach that works for you.
How will I know which Therapist is right for me?
Therapy and Counselling are more than just a form of treatment for you, it’s a working relationship that requires a high degree of rapport and trust between you and your therapist.
It’s crucial that you and your appointed therapist are able to talk in a constructive, positive manner. If you feel this isn’t the case, our admin team is more than happy to provide alternative therapists for the remainder of your treatment.
Am I able to try more than just one kind of therapy?
We offer access to whatever psychological treatment both you and your counsellor see as being the most effective course of action. You may find that you wish to take on an ‘integrative’ approach in which methods from other treatment systems are applied.
Our expert team of therapists and counsellors are more than able to utilise the treatment forms necessary to support the ongoing management of your treatment.
How long does psychotherapy treatment usually last for?
Your personal circumstances will affect the length of time that your treatment will span. It can also depend on the kind of treatment you’re receiving, as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can range from 6 to 20 sessions depending on the individual.
It also depends on the developments within ongoing treatment; new symptoms or conditions may arise, requiring more attention. On the other hand, you may find that your recovery will take place faster, requiring fewer sessions.
Is counselling private and confidential?
We uphold the confidentiality of our patients throughout their entire range of treatment. However, if you pose an immediate threat to yourself or others, we are required to contact medical services.
Are counsellors qualified?
Absolutely, our counsellors in London are required to hold a higher educational qualification at least up to Postgraduate level. Counsellors and Therapists are also registered as part of an accredited organisation such as the BACP, BPS and UKCP among others.
In conjunction with professional registration, our therapists are required to undergo Continued Professional Development (CPD) to ensure continued registration under their designated body.
How experienced is my therapist?
Our therapists boast hands-on experience with organisations such as the NHS, with at least seven years of experience behind each of our staff members.
Will the therapist be able to help if I only want one session?
Regrettably, the preliminary session consists of a consultation to provide a long-term line of treatment for your condition, making a single session impossible.
Do I need to attend weekly therapy sessions?
As part of our treatment approach, weekly sessions provide a reliable and low-pressure path to a gradual plan of treatment. Often depending on the condition, a therapist may suggest 2 or more sessions a week is seen as an ideal plan of action.
Can I have more than one session per week?
Absolutely, depending on the therapist’s availability, you may both see it as a good plan to have more than one session a week. Depending on the availability of your chosen therapist, this may prove difficult if they are otherwise busy.
Are Counsellors able to talk to me before my session?
Due to the tight schedules of therapists within a workday, preliminary talks with patients is not possible. It is beneficial, therefore, to remember any queries or concerns you had and inform your therapist during the appointed time of your session.
Do I need a GP Referral before my appointment?
No, our team of therapists and counsellors are fully qualified and able to pursue treatment with any patient. You may feel free to self-refer to a therapist, you may need to seek counsel with your insurer if they require confirmation with your registered GP.
As a private practice, why do you need my GP Details?
This is due to the possibility of suffering from a medical emergency during treatment with one of our therapists. It allows us to contact the relevant people in the event of an emergency, while also allowing our team to accommodate for any conditions which may impact the effectiveness of treatment.
Is there a difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Both can offer a range of talking therapies, while the Psychiatrist is a registered doctor and can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication. A psychologist, however, is unable to do so.
Can counsellors prescribe medication?
Our team of counsellors are unable to prescribe medication as they do not carry the relevant credentials to do so. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are able to diagnose and prescribe medication if it’s deemed necessary.
Can I be referred by a Psychiatrist?
Yes, we boast an inter-disciplinary team that refers to our internal departments depending on what is regarded as the best course of action for the patient. We also have access to a specialist line of psychiatrists if every specific attention was needed.
Can my Health Insurance cover counselling sessions?
You may need to seek advice from your specific insurance provider. In some instances, they may require that you find initial guidance from a registered GP before signing off on counselling sessions.
Our team of counsellors and Therapists are available on specific insurance providers, so please do get into contact to ensure that a particular counsellor is available to you.
Do I have to contact my insurer before booking counselling?
This depends on your provider, you are more than welcome to make the appointment with us. You can then contact your insurers to secure an authorisation code for the payment of your treatment with us.
If you’re uncertain of your insurance policy regulations, we advise getting into contact with your provider.
Why do some therapists not accept specific insurance referrals?
This is due to some insurers only accepting particular methods of treatment over others. Short-term therapies such as CBT may be received, while longer-term treatment therapies offered by specific counsellors may not be able to register with particular insurers.
What are the working hours that therapists work?
We operate on a regular working basis of 8 am to 21:00 across the weekday. We also offer weekend sessions from 9 am – 17:00, demand for sessions outside of traditional working hours may mean taking a short-term time slot while waiting for a longer-term time slot for you.
Is it necessary to attend couples sessions together?
It’s preferred to attend couples counselling sessions together as this allows for a more constructive environment for both of you. We do however offer one-on-one sessions with respective spouses in conjunction with longer-term couples therapy.
Can I reschedule my appointment after the initial consultation?
This depends on the mutual availability between you and your allocated therapist. If you did, for whatever reason need to reschedule your appointment, our admin team is more than able to find an alternative mutually ideal appointment slot for both of you.
I need to reschedule my appointment for a particular week – is that possible?
Your appointment slot would remain the same over the course of your treatment. In the event of an emergency, our team would be able to reschedule the appointment, but this would depend on individual availability.
Why do I have to pay for a cancelled appointment?
Between both you and your therapist there will be an active cancellation policy in effect. This means that any missed appointments or cancellations will be subject to a charge of the full amount.
How can I pay for my appointment?
We accept payment by cash or cheque within our facility. At present, we are unable to take payments through credit or debit cards. We are able to receive payment through Paypal.
We will also send you an invoice via the post or by email. These invoices must be paid upon receipt.
Why are fees so high?
The degree of experience and skill that our team of therapists boasts means that we can ensure the most effective treatment for your condition. These fees fluctuate depending on the therapist you may undergo treatment with. This is due to the varying degree of skill and speciality of the therapist/counsellor you see.
Are there any discount rates for Students, retired, etc.?
We are unfortunately unable to provide concession or discounted rates for individuals.
Is my information shared with anyone?
Our therapists abide by the laws of medical discretion and data protection. The only exceptions which would necessitate the sharing of information are if you as the patient suffering from symptoms that are deemed as an immediate threat to others or yourself.
The other is if the therapist was made aware that you intended to commit an illegal act. In which case, the therapist is obligated to divulge this information to the local authorities.
Is your facility accessible for those with disabilities?
Yes, certain rooms within the facility offer disabled access for patients requiring it. Should you need additional support, please get in touch with our members of staff.
One of my friends/family needs therapy, am I able to refer someone?
While you may have a concern with the behaviour of someone you know. Someone else cannot refer to those suffering from these conditions. The first step to getting help is realising there is one, this isn’t possible when someone else refers a sufferer.
Providing a calm and reassuring environment in which you can gradually introduce the idea of counselling to the individual.
I have a complaint, how am I able to file this with you?
You may feel free to get in contact with the medical director if you have an issue with the facilities. Complaints with specific therapists can be addressed with the therapist specifically. If you’re not satisfied that your concern has been addressed, you may feel free to get into contact with the registered association that they are a member of.
Why does your company have such a strong reputation?
Our Therapy and counselling team offer a wide variety of skills and expertise, with years of experience. This allows us to provide a uniquely efficient service.
We strive to provide the best treatment to allow you to lead a healthier and happier life.