Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if we are a good fit?
Great question!
Finding the right therapist is so so important, in therapy you're probably going to speak about aspects of your life that are not going so well or that you are having a hard time with which can at times leave us feeling vulnerable, so when deciding if we are a good, maybe hold this thought, do you feel like you can open up, does the conversation flow and do you feel at ease. It is totally understandable at first (I still have some nerves with every new person I work with). I'd say we all have a gut feelings and a sense of how we feel about someone - let this help you. I offer a free 20 minute introductory call over the phone to help with this (and to calm our nerves)
This helps us to see if we have that ' natural click' and are a good fit. As a therapist just like as a person we are not everyone's cup of tea, this is totally okay. Therapy is an investment in you and we need to get this right. I might be a great fit for one person and not for another. If I feel after our introductory call I am not the right therapist for you. I will support you in finding someone who is more suited to you and your needs.
Great question!
Finding the right therapist is so so important, in therapy you're probably going to speak about aspects of your life that are not going so well or that you are having a hard time with which can at times leave us feeling vulnerable, so when deciding if we are a good, maybe hold this thought, do you feel like you can open up, does the conversation flow and do you feel at ease. It is totally understandable at first (I still have some nerves with every new person I work with). I'd say we all have a gut feelings and a sense of how we feel about someone - let this help you. I offer a free 20 minute introductory call over the phone to help with this (and to calm our nerves)
This helps us to see if we have that ' natural click' and are a good fit. As a therapist just like as a person we are not everyone's cup of tea, this is totally okay. Therapy is an investment in you and we need to get this right. I might be a great fit for one person and not for another. If I feel after our introductory call I am not the right therapist for you. I will support you in finding someone who is more suited to you and your needs.
What will the first session be like?
We will already know a little about each other after our introductory call. The first session will allow us to have more of an in-depth chat about your hopes for therapy. We can spend some time talking about what therapy might look like. All first sessions are slightly different, I'm often led by each person and get a sense of what it might feel like for them and then move forward from there.
We will already know a little about each other after our introductory call. The first session will allow us to have more of an in-depth chat about your hopes for therapy. We can spend some time talking about what therapy might look like. All first sessions are slightly different, I'm often led by each person and get a sense of what it might feel like for them and then move forward from there.
How can I access therapy?
Therapy sessions can be offered face to face, online or over the telephone. It means If you don't live local to the West Midlands we can still work together either online or over the phone. These appointments also work well for busy working people want the support but without the commute.
People commonly think these have to be the same time and day each week, this is not strictly true, my approach to sessions is that this needs to work for you, I usually discuss at the end of each session your preferences. I am happy to organise our sessions depending on when we are both available. This means that if you have commitments we can plan around them. Therapy does not have to be an extra stress.
Therapy sessions can be offered face to face, online or over the telephone. It means If you don't live local to the West Midlands we can still work together either online or over the phone. These appointments also work well for busy working people want the support but without the commute.
People commonly think these have to be the same time and day each week, this is not strictly true, my approach to sessions is that this needs to work for you, I usually discuss at the end of each session your preferences. I am happy to organise our sessions depending on when we are both available. This means that if you have commitments we can plan around them. Therapy does not have to be an extra stress.
Will I have to wait to be seen?
I don't currently have a wait list, so it means I can see you within a week of you being in contact with me?
I don't currently have a wait list, so it means I can see you within a week of you being in contact with me?
How often would I need to come to therapy?
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes, people commonly think these have to be the same time and day each week, this is not strictly true, my approach to sessions is that this needs to work for you, I usually discuss at the end of each session your preferences. I am happy to organise our sessions depending on when we are both available. This means that if you have commitments we can plan around them. Therapy does not have to be an extra stress.
With 50 minute sessions weekly, fortnightly, or monthly we can work to create consistent support through a trusting relationship.
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes, people commonly think these have to be the same time and day each week, this is not strictly true, my approach to sessions is that this needs to work for you, I usually discuss at the end of each session your preferences. I am happy to organise our sessions depending on when we are both available. This means that if you have commitments we can plan around them. Therapy does not have to be an extra stress.
With 50 minute sessions weekly, fortnightly, or monthly we can work to create consistent support through a trusting relationship.
How much will it cost?
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes, with 50 minute sessions weekly, fortnightly, or monthly we can work to create consistent support through a trusting relationship and cost £55 .This is the same for person to person, online or telephone Fees need to be paid in advance before the session takes place. I accept payment via bank transfer, cash or via a card machine. This allows me to secure your booking.
There are times when 30 minutes sessions may be appropriate and beneficial. I am very happy to support my clients by offering shorter sessions when appropriate.
Therapy sessions are 50 minutes, with 50 minute sessions weekly, fortnightly, or monthly we can work to create consistent support through a trusting relationship and cost £55 .This is the same for person to person, online or telephone Fees need to be paid in advance before the session takes place. I accept payment via bank transfer, cash or via a card machine. This allows me to secure your booking.
There are times when 30 minutes sessions may be appropriate and beneficial. I am very happy to support my clients by offering shorter sessions when appropriate.
Do I have to be in the same place for therapy for every session?
I know that life can be busy, we can feel pulled in lots of different directions. I want therapy for you to be stress free. A therapy session can take place anywhere you feel you can share safely without being overheard. I have supported clients in their cars. If they find themselves travelling a lot so are not in one place. Maybe you live on a narrowboat or travel in a motor home. As long as we have a signal we can make it work. I can also work internationally.
I know that life can be busy, we can feel pulled in lots of different directions. I want therapy for you to be stress free. A therapy session can take place anywhere you feel you can share safely without being overheard. I have supported clients in their cars. If they find themselves travelling a lot so are not in one place. Maybe you live on a narrowboat or travel in a motor home. As long as we have a signal we can make it work. I can also work internationally.
Is everything confidential?
We will have explored confidentiality during our introductory call, confidentiality is covered in the paperwork you will receive and agree to prior to us working together. Therapy is a safe space, everything that we discuss verbally or in writing is confidential, you are under no obligation to share anything you do not wish to with me everything in your therapy sessions is confidential so will remain between us however this is not absolute it has some expectations which we be outlined there.
We will have explored confidentiality during our introductory call, confidentiality is covered in the paperwork you will receive and agree to prior to us working together. Therapy is a safe space, everything that we discuss verbally or in writing is confidential, you are under no obligation to share anything you do not wish to with me everything in your therapy sessions is confidential so will remain between us however this is not absolute it has some expectations which we be outlined there.
I am interested in therapy for my child. What happens?
I offer a free 20 minute introductory call over usually via zoom to help with this (and to calm our nerves). I ask you and the child/ young person to both be present for this. It means we can discuss what therapy looks like and the instances I might share information with you. I ask the adult to complete a ' practical contract' and verbally contract with the child/ young person themselves.
I understand that the idea of therapy can feel scary, to help with them, I allow for you as the adult to remain present for some of the first session. Unfortunately I don't have a waiting area. There is a local shopping centre 7 minute drive away.
I offer a free 20 minute introductory call over usually via zoom to help with this (and to calm our nerves). I ask you and the child/ young person to both be present for this. It means we can discuss what therapy looks like and the instances I might share information with you. I ask the adult to complete a ' practical contract' and verbally contract with the child/ young person themselves.
I understand that the idea of therapy can feel scary, to help with them, I allow for you as the adult to remain present for some of the first session. Unfortunately I don't have a waiting area. There is a local shopping centre 7 minute drive away.
Do you have a waiting area?
I don't, I ask you to arrive no more than a few minutes before your appointment because of this
I don't, I ask you to arrive no more than a few minutes before your appointment because of this
How will I know if I have been in therapy for long enough?
I feel like this is becoming my answer to everything, everyone is different and so is their time in therapy. I have worked with people short term in 8 session where they have a particular goal they wish to work on. On the flip side of that I have also worked with people longer term for a number of years. This will depend on what your hopes for therapy are. This is dictated by you, you'll have a idea of when you feel you no longer need my support as your therapist. I usually work weekly, then fortnightly then monthly so if you are a person that prefers gradual change this might work well for you.
I feel like this is becoming my answer to everything, everyone is different and so is their time in therapy. I have worked with people short term in 8 session where they have a particular goal they wish to work on. On the flip side of that I have also worked with people longer term for a number of years. This will depend on what your hopes for therapy are. This is dictated by you, you'll have a idea of when you feel you no longer need my support as your therapist. I usually work weekly, then fortnightly then monthly so if you are a person that prefers gradual change this might work well for you.
How will I know therapy is working?
You'll most likely find yourself knowing and hearing yourself more. You might notice you feel more in control when anxiety creeps up on you, more able to manage and work through these feelings. You are probably going to understand your process and approach to life and how you do things. You will start developing your own internal therapist, able to make changes and grow without us being in the room together, you will take parts of your therapy journey with you - becoming your own therapist.
You'll most likely find yourself knowing and hearing yourself more. You might notice you feel more in control when anxiety creeps up on you, more able to manage and work through these feelings. You are probably going to understand your process and approach to life and how you do things. You will start developing your own internal therapist, able to make changes and grow without us being in the room together, you will take parts of your therapy journey with you - becoming your own therapist.
What if I need to cancel an appointment?
I ask for 48 hours' notice of cancellation to allow for this appointment to be offered to someone else. If we can find a mutually agreeable time that works for us within the same week. We can simply move your appointment. If this is not possible and less than 48 notice. The full fee will be chargeable.
I ask for 48 hours' notice of cancellation to allow for this appointment to be offered to someone else. If we can find a mutually agreeable time that works for us within the same week. We can simply move your appointment. If this is not possible and less than 48 notice. The full fee will be chargeable.
I'm not sure about therapy?
I have been working with clients for many years from all walks of life supporting them with their struggles, I know the decision to access therapy can at first feel daunting and that totally makes sense. You've done so well already by reaching the point where you are considering who might be the right therapist for you.
The first step is always the hardest. There isn’t much I haven’t heard in my therapy room, that’s the great thing about therapy, you can bring whatever you need too and I will work in a way that offers you empathy, support and respect. This is your journey in which the pace will be led by you.
I see therapy as an investment in yourself – If you think about all of the purchases we make in life, a new car, you are hopefully going to carry out regular maintenance and safety check to make sure you can get from A to B as they say, or when you buy a new plant you’ll keep it topped up with water and in the right environment. All too often we forget to treat ourselves with the same levels of kindness and compassion.
I blend a range of therapeutic ways of working to help you process, make sense of the interactions between thoughts, feelings and behaviour, working with you to grow, move forward in your life and start becoming the best version of yourself.
I worry about others feelings what if something upsets you?
The space in therapy is yours, a space where you don't have to worry about others. As a therapist working to support clients, I have regular supervision to ensure I am always working with you in mind and also to explore anything else that might come up.
A supervisor is someone usually has a special interest such as Self - Esteem, Anxiety or working with a certain client group such children. I always enjoy this time. I enjoy learning and developing alongside my colleagues
The space in therapy is yours, a space where you don't have to worry about others. As a therapist working to support clients, I have regular supervision to ensure I am always working with you in mind and also to explore anything else that might come up.
A supervisor is someone usually has a special interest such as Self - Esteem, Anxiety or working with a certain client group such children. I always enjoy this time. I enjoy learning and developing alongside my colleagues
What if I don't know what to say?
Don't stress! In sessions we can blend different methods including creative therapy methods to help you explore difficulties that you might struggle to voice, we work together to help you be able visualise what's bothering through and work towards feeling better.
Don't stress! In sessions we can blend different methods including creative therapy methods to help you explore difficulties that you might struggle to voice, we work together to help you be able visualise what's bothering through and work towards feeling better.
I'd like more information, where can I find it?
I have written loads of blogs covering various topics. Check them out
I have written loads of blogs covering various topics. Check them out
Do I need help now, Am I in crisis?
A crisis can mean that you feel no longer able to cope with or control the situation/ difficulty you are facing.
You might experience:
In an emergency: Call 999
You can ask to stay on the line while you wait for help to arrive or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E).
If you already been given a phone number for your local crisis team please call it.
Samaritans - They can be contacted by phone or email 24/7 and some branches also offer face to face support
MIND - They have many downloadable leaflets such as ‘Understanding Depression’ and ‘Coping with Panic Attacks’.
The National Self Harm Network - A 24 hour forum to Support for individuals who self-harm to help reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life.
Male Advice Line - Men's Development Network: A confidential advice and support line for male victims of violence and abuse.
BEAT - The UK’s National Eating Disorder Charity.
Relate - Counselling for every type of relationship.
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - Free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for survivors who have experienced rape, assault, incest, sexual abuse, sexual harassment or any form of sexual attack, whether physical, verbal or emotional.
Papyrus - This is a UK national charity aiming to prevent young suicides.
The Mental Health Foundation - A useful source of information including podcasts on relaxation and all sorts of topics related to mental health.
Families for Life - Supporting and empowering families to combat radicalisation.
Paladin - National Stalking Advocacy Service.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information found at any of the linked sites above. Each organisation will have it's own confidentiality policy and way of working, if you have any concerns ask the organisation you are contacting for further information.
For more information about external links from https://dstherapy.co.uk please see our privacy page.
A crisis can mean that you feel no longer able to cope with or control the situation/ difficulty you are facing.
You might experience:
- Thoughts, feelings or behaviour towards suicide and harming yourself.
- Extremely distressed, struggling to manage your emotions.
- High levels of anxiety or experience intense panic attacks.
- Loss of sense of reality, hallucinations or hearing voices.
- Experiencing behaviour that seems out of control or irrational and that is likely to put yourself or others in danger.
In an emergency: Call 999
You can ask to stay on the line while you wait for help to arrive or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department (A&E).
If you already been given a phone number for your local crisis team please call it.
Samaritans - They can be contacted by phone or email 24/7 and some branches also offer face to face support
MIND - They have many downloadable leaflets such as ‘Understanding Depression’ and ‘Coping with Panic Attacks’.
The National Self Harm Network - A 24 hour forum to Support for individuals who self-harm to help reduce emotional distress and improve their quality of life.
Male Advice Line - Men's Development Network: A confidential advice and support line for male victims of violence and abuse.
BEAT - The UK’s National Eating Disorder Charity.
Relate - Counselling for every type of relationship.
West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre - Free, confidential and non-judgemental support service for survivors who have experienced rape, assault, incest, sexual abuse, sexual harassment or any form of sexual attack, whether physical, verbal or emotional.
Papyrus - This is a UK national charity aiming to prevent young suicides.
The Mental Health Foundation - A useful source of information including podcasts on relaxation and all sorts of topics related to mental health.
Families for Life - Supporting and empowering families to combat radicalisation.
Paladin - National Stalking Advocacy Service.
Disclaimer
We cannot guarantee the accuracy of information found at any of the linked sites above. Each organisation will have it's own confidentiality policy and way of working, if you have any concerns ask the organisation you are contacting for further information.
For more information about external links from https://dstherapy.co.uk please see our privacy page.