Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a term used to describe a range of talking therapies, including counselling.  Both provide a service for those looking for support and treatment for a wide range of mental health and emotional issues.

A Pyschotherapist is a professional who helps clients overcome a range of emotional, social and mental health issues. The focus is usually on longer-term psychological problems.

Counselling

A counsellor may also use psychotherapy to help clients develop understanding and insight into their behaviours and  feelings. The aim is to help clients overcome difficulties. Often counselling is used to tackle problems at the time of a crisis therefore counselling is usually short-term.

How many people in the UK have counselling or psychotherapy?

Exact figures are uncertain. However, research shows the number of qualified counsellors and psychotherapists has tripled in the last 10 years. Presumably, this is to keep up with demand. Millions of people all over the world are affected by mental health problems. Those who do not experience some form of mental distress at some time during their lives are probably fairly unusual and extremely lucky.

What sort of issues do counselling and psychotherapy help with?

The list is endless.

Psychotherapy can help with so many different things. To see a wide range please click here.

For counselling please click here.

How do I know if I need counselling or psychotherapy?

The choice is yours. Only you can decide whether you wish to try counselling or psychotherapy. Often, just talking to someone confidentially who is not a friend or family member can make all the difference.

Counselling or psychotherapy provides a regular time for those in distress to explore their feelings and talk about their problems. During our sessions together, I will help you develop better ways of coping and help you come to terms with things.

Are Counsellors and Psychotherapists regulated?

Counsellors and psychotherapists are not currently regulated in the UK.

What is hypnotherapy?

Hypnotherapy is a form of complementary therapy. It uses the power of positive suggestion to bring about change to our thoughts, feelings and behaviour.

For more information on hypnotherapy, please click here

When might hypnotherapy be useful?

Hypnotherapy is widely endorsed as a treatment for habit breaking, stress related issues and for a range of long-term conditions. In recent years hypnotherapy has gained credibility in the medical world. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recognises hypnotherapy as a treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Many people have found hypnotherapy as incredibly effective  whether used alongside traditional treatment or used independently.

What is NLP?

Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is often used for personal development and business success. It’s focus is understanding how people organise their thoughts, feelings, language and behaviour.

As an NLP practitioner, I will look at how you filter and perceive information to form your own map of the world.  You will learn new strategies using your five physical senses for understanding, motivation, learning and remembering.

Furthermore, NLP is particularly effective when combined with hypnotherapy.

Are hypnotherapists regulated?

Hypnotherapists are not currently regulated in the UK. There are no laws which outline the level of training and experience required in order to practice. However, there are professional bodies where membership verifies proof of relevant qualifications and insurance cover.

As such I am a member of the The Hypnotherapy Association and the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council. I am also a registered pratitioner on the General Hypnotherapy Register and an accredited pratitioner of the General Hypnotherapy Standards Council.

What is life-coaching?

Life-coaching focuses you on exactly what you want to achieve and gets you there faster. Almost all of us lead busy lives. Rarely do we stop and think about where we want to be in our future.

Life coaching with me will help you to do just that. I will be dedicated to you and your future. In addition I will listen, encourage, support and motivate you and help to keep you focussed. Furthermore I will help you identify options available to you that you may not have ever considered.

How is Life Coaching different from Counselling or psychotherapy?

In some ways they are similar in the sense that I ask you questions and sometimes there is a lot of soul-searching. However, counselling and psychotherapy investigate the underlying causes of mental health and emotional problems. In addition they usually explore issues of the past. Life coaching focuses more so on the future to encourage personal-development and self-improvement.

What are the benefits of life-coaching?

The main benefit of life coaching is having someone who is solely dedicated to you and the achievement of your goals.

I offer a non-judgemental, supportive, and encouraging service, and will motivate you just when you need it. Furthermore, I will keep you focussed on where you want to be and keep you moving forward in the right direction. I will do my best to enable you to get to where you want to be in life much faster than you could on your own.

What is Relationship Counselling?

Relationships can be strained at particular times of our lives. Such as when a new baby is born, when finances are tight, or when facing redundancy. Relationships can also suffer while coping with bereavement of a family member, or in the event of an affair.

I will support and listen to you and help you explore the difficult emotions you are now experiencing.

You can find out more information about relationship counselling by clicking here

How long does a counselling or therapy session last?

Counselling and therapy sessions usually last 50 minutes. However this is flexible and can be discussed with me before attending your first session.

What is the role of the counsellor or therapist?

First of all, I offer an emotionally warm, safe and confidential environment for you to discuss your issues or difficulties. My aim then is to help you resolve or come to terms with them. This is sometimes known as a therapeutic relationship. The bottom line is that it is about you and your needs.

How regularly do I need to have counselling or therapy sessions?

I usually offer weekly sessions to start with. However this can vary depending on the type of therapy and your personal requirements.

Can you tell me how will I feel?

Because everyone is different, this is only something you will know. Some clients feel relief, and others nervousness. This all goes to prove there is no ‘right way to feel’ in your first (or any other counselling session).

What if I don’t like it?

Many people feel scared when seeking help for difficult emotions or feelings. Let’s face it, no one likes to talk about things that are difficult. During therapy it may sometimes feel hard for a while before it gets to feel easier. If things get too tough for you, try to talk this through with me. Consider what you don’t like and how it feels, and together we will try to find a solution.

Like all human relationships, some work and some don’t. If you feel that you are not connecting with me that’s okay. After talking it through it may be that changing to another counsellor maybe more helpful to you.

Can you tell me what happens in an hypnotherapy session?

During your first session we will discuss what you want to gain from counselling or therapy. We will then set some goals. I will also gather some personal information such as lifestyle and sleep patterns. I’ll also ask you about any medical symptoms and history. In addition I will explain how the treatment will work and practical details such as how many sessions may be needed.

How many sessions of hypnotherapy will I need?

The duration of therapy will be dependant on your circumstances and the reason for which you are seeking treatment. I will tell you how many sessions I feel you might need when you first start therapy. I will also be flexible when it comes to decreasing or extending the number of sessions to correlate with your progress.

Can you tell me how often will I see my hypnotherapist?

How regularly you see me will be something we will decide on together. Initially, you may decide you wish to meet on a weekly basis. Depending on improvements and how you feel, you may choose to see me more or less frequently.

How long will hypnotherapy sessions last?

Again this is really dependant on  your circumstances. Generally speaking, a hypnotherapy session will usually take 50 – 60 minutes. Sometimes it may be necessary to book a longer session because the treatment may need the extra time. I will of course, discuss this with you as and when necessary.

Can anyone be hypnotised?

Most people have little if any difficulty.  The few exceptions are usually those who see it as a ‘battle of wills’ between themselves and the therapist. However it maybe difficult or even impossible for those who have significant learning difficulties or who suffer dementia. This is because they may be unable to concentrate and focus their thoughts. There are also some conditions where hypnotherapy is usually regarded as inappropriate.

Do I lose control during hypnotherapy?

Absolutely not. In fact the opposite is true! Clients usually have more awareness of their ability to control their own life.

All hypnosis is self-hypnosis. You can come out of it anytime you like. In most cases people undergoing hypnotherapy are aware of their surroundings. Almost all hear sounds around them, including the hypnotherapist’s voice.

What will I have to do to get the best from life-coaching?

You will need to have a positive attitude towards the achievement of your goal. Furthermore, you will need to be totally open, trusting and honest within the coaching relationship. In addition you’ll also need to have the time and commitment to complete all the actions that you set yourself. These actions are what will move you closer to your overall goal. Finally your level of commitment will determine the speed and extent to which your goals will be realised.

To help you with all of this, I will provide boundless motivation, support and encouragement. All within a confidential and non-judgemental environment.

How do the life coaching sessions work?

Life coaching can take place at my office with phone and email support inbetween, or on-line via Skype. Fees are £60 for 50 minutes, and payable in advance. Coaching sessions can be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Whatever suits your life and the speed at which you can take actions to achieve your goals.

What happens during a life coaching session?

First of all we will recap on the actions set and achieved from the last session and look at general progress and successes. We will then set a ‘session goal’ to be clear about what you want to achieve by the end of the session.

Together we will explore where you are at the moment. We will look at what you have tried and what has worked. We will also discuss what obstacles you have come across along the way. Next, we will explore all the possible options to achieve your goal. We will often use several different techniques to uncover options that you probably never thought of before.

Finally  we end the session setting actions taken from the list of options for you to achieve by our next meeting.