Frequently asked questions...
How to get started and what to expect?
Please get in contact for a free no-obligation telephone consultation, where we can briefly discuss your concerns and think about how I might be able to help. I will discuss all options available to you including alternative services such as local CAMHS services, or alternative approaches such as Psychology, Family Therapy or Psychiatric input if this is deemed more appropriate.
Sometimes work with the parent and child together is indicated. However, if we feel that the young person may benefit from an individual psychotherapy assessment, we will agree next steps together. This will depend on the young person’s age. With children or younger adolescents, the assessment process would involve an initial consultation lasting one and a half hours with the parents or carers. This involves hearing more about parental concerns and gathering a developmental and family history. I would then offer the young person three individual 50 minute sessions in order to understand them better. This would be followed by a Review with parents to share something about what has been understood and decide together whether the young person could benefit from attending ongoing psychotherapy sessions. Young adults may not want parental involvement in their therapeutic experience and therefore assessment sessions can go ahead following the free telephone consultation.
Is therapy confidential?
It is up to the young person to decide whether they want to share the details of their sessions with family or friends. I will keep the information private and confidential. The only time information might be shared is if I had concerns about the young person’s safety, in which case I would need to share this with parents or other adults. The young person would be informed of this.
How long does therapy last?
The length of treatment will vary for all young people. The individual needs of a young person and their family will be better understood after the initial assessment sessions and a treatment plan can then be agreed together. Sometimes a short-term intervention is enough to help a young person feel less stuck, whereas other young people need ongoing support which can be reviewed regularly. Once a young person is engaged in ongoing therapeutic work, it is important that the work is not ended abruptly and that they are given the opportunity to work towards a planned ending.
How much does therapy cost?
Please get in contact for a free no-obligation telephone consultation. Further details about fees are available on request.