How Therapy Works
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve never done it before. Here’s what you can typically expect…
Step 1
Finding the right therapist
Start by having a look at our therapists. Each has a short profile and you can filter the personal themes you might wish to explore. Read a few, see who feels like someone you could talk to, and trust your gut response. It’s usually a good signal. If none feel quite right, get in touch and we’ll help you find a fit.
Step 2
Getting in touch
Most therapists offer an introductory session. This gives you an opportunity to get to know them, share what’s going on for you and for the therapist to describe how they work. There is no commitment, and it’s perfectly okay to speak to more than one person before deciding. Fees vary between therapists, and some offer reduced-fee slots. If your chosen therapists’ fees are not already listed, ask them during in your initial enquirty.
Step 3
The first session
Your first full session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will ask about what has brought you, a bit of background, and what you are hoping for. You don’t need to have the right words or a tidy story as most people don’t. By the end you should have a sense of whether it feels right to continue.
Step 4
The ongoing work
Sessions are usually weekly, same day, same time. Some weeks feel productive, others confusing or slow. Therapy works like this and it is not a sign that something’s wrong. Over time, patterns start to surface, and with them the possibility of change. You set the pace.
Step 5
Ending therapy
There is no fixed length to therapy. Some people come for a few months, or weeks even, around a specific issue and others stay for years. When ending feels right, you and your therapist will talk about it and usually plan a few final sessions to wind down well. Ending is part of the work, not something that happens after it.
Common Questions
What’s the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
In practice, the words overlap a lot and are often used interchangeably. ‘Counselling’ tends to suggest shorter-term, more focused work around a specific issue. ‘Psychotherapy’ suggests longer-term work going deeper into patterns and history. ‘Therapy’ covers both. What matters more than the label is the person you work with and how they are trained.
How long will it take?
It depends on what you’re bringing and what you are hoping for. A specific issue might resolve in 6–12 sessions. Longer-standing patterns usually take longer. Your therapist will talk with you about this openly. It is not something they’ll decide for you.
What if we are not a good fit with the therapist I start with?
Just tell them, even if it feels a bit uncomfortable. Most of the time it’s worth talking about directly as it is often useful material. But if after a few sessions it still doesn’t feel right, it’s completely fine to stop and try someone else. A good therapist will support you in that.
Is it confidential?
Yes, with a few specific exceptions that our therapists will explain at the start. Usually, these exceptions pertain to serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or in rare legal circumstances. Beyond that, what you say stays between you and your therapist.
Online or in person?
Both work. In-person has the benefit of a dedicated physical space away from your everyday life. Online works well for many people given that it is more flexible. Research shows that online therapy is just as effective for most issues. Some therapists offer both and our therapists’ profile will say what they do.
What if I have never done this before?
Most people haven’t, or have only dipped in once. You don’t need to know what to say, have a particular issue to bring, or prepare in any way. Turn up, be honest about what’s on your mind, and let the therapist be your guide.
What about clinical and counselling psychology?
Our practice includes both Clinical Psychologists and Counselling Psychologists. These are practitioners with doctoral-level training and registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). Alongside ongoing therapy, they draw on a wider psychological skill set when it is helpful.
Psychological assessment to help to understand something more clearly. Our psychologists can carry out a structured assessment, drawing on cognitive measures, personality and mood tools, or risk evaluation as appropriate. The findings are shared with you in a follow-up conversation.
Formulation: These help to obtain a working understanding of what is happening, how it has come to be, and what helps. It is a collaborative map that takes account of your history, your relationships, and the meaning these hold for you. The formulation guides the work and is revised as understanding grows.
Formal Diagnosis: Sometimes a formal diagnosis is useful, whether for accessing services, clarifying entitlement to support, or simply for the relief of having a name for something. Where a diagnosis fits, we offer it carefully and explain what it does and does not capture. Where it does not, we say so.
Report Writing: Our psychologists produce written reports for medico-legal, educational (such as EHCP applications or university adjustments), employment, or healthcare purposes. Reports are written with you, not about you, and are never released without your consent.
Advocacy: At times, having a psychologist write or speak on your behalf to, for instance, a school, employer, tribunal, or other professional can open a door that would otherwise stay closed. Our practitioners can write letters of support, attend meetings, or liaise with other agencies where this would help.
If you are not sure whether what you need falls within these areas, please get in touch. We would rather help you find the right person than send you in the wrong direction.