Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling & Therapy

Everything You Need to Know Before Starting Therapy

1. How do I pick a counsellor? Most counsellors will offer a 15-20 minute consultation over the phone to help decide if you want to take the next step in making an appointment. Read their profiles and see if they offer help on the issues you think you may be facing. Ask questions about how they conduct their sessions.
2. Are counselling and therapy the same? Most therapists use the terms interchangeably. Some professionals may view them differently. For example, "counselling" is short-term and deals with a specific issue, while "therapy" is long-term and involves in-depth exploration of the individual. I prefer to use them interchangeably.
3. How much does it cost? And do you take insurance? Each therapist sets their own fees. Sometimes cost is taken into consideration when choosing a professional to work with.  If you have Bupa insurance, you can register through NewusClinic, where my Bupa work is managed. 
4. What is the format/process of a counselling session?  Sessions are usually 50 minutes long, 50 minutes for face-to-face time, and the last ten minutes of the hour are set aside for the therapist to complete administrative duties. 
5. What if I don’t “click” with my therapist? It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. I want my clients to feel like we have a partnership and I am looking out for them and their best interests.
6. Is counselling for me? You don't really know unless you try it out. That is a pretty broad statement to say it is not for you. Maybe the therapist you initially met did not work out for you, but that doesn't mean all therapists will be the same.
7. Do you share what I’ve told you with anyone else? Your personal information will be used only to provide you with the service and to give you information relating to the service. I will not share your personal details with any other person or organisation without your knowledge and permission, unless there is a legal requirement, if there is a child or adult safeguarding issue, or a perceived risk of harm. Your safety and the safety of others is my number one concern at all times.
8. Does it matter where I find a counsellor? Absolutely it does. When a therapist is registered with a governing body you are more likely to receive professional help from a well trained and experienced person that follows ethical and professional guidelines, insuring the highest level of service. If you are looking for international therapists that work from your home country or speak in your native language, International Therapy Directory (ITD) is a good place to start. I am listed there to reach clients I will work with in the Netherlands and other countries in Europe. Other online directories such as Psychology Today  , verify a professional's credentials.