All your therapy related questions, answered.

Psychotherapy is a form of mental health treatment that involves talking with a trained therapist to address emotional or psychological issues. The therapist helps the patient to understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and to develop new coping skills and ways of thinking. Psychotherapy can be conducted in individual or group sessions and can take many forms, including cognitive-behavioural therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. The goal of psychotherapy is to improve the patient's mental wellbeing, reduce symptoms, and enhance their ability to function in daily life. The effectiveness of psychotherapy depends on various factors, including the patient's motivation, the therapist's training and experience, and the fit between the patient and therapist.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are two different approaches to treating mental health issues.

Psychodynamic therapy is based on the idea that unconscious thoughts, feelings, and experiences shape a person's behavior and emotions. The goal of this therapy is to help the person understand and resolve unconscious conflicts by exploring past experiences and relationships. It is a long-term therapy, typically lasting several months to a few years.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, on the other hand, focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to a person's mental health issues. CBT is usually a shorter-term therapy, with most treatment plans lasting between 6 and 20 sessions.

In summary, psychodynamic therapy focuses on uncovering underlying unconscious conflicts and exploring past experiences whilst keeping in mind the future, whereas CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors in the present using conscious mind.

Therapy can last anywhere from a few months to several years. It all depends on your curiosity and what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve, whereas others are interested in much broader issues, such as meaning of life.

Psychology is a broad field that encompasses the scientific study of human behavior, thoughts, and emotions. It aims to understand and explain the workings of the mind and behavior.

Psychotherapy, on the other hand, is a therapeutic treatment that aims to help people alleviate their psychological and emotional problems. Psychotherapists apply psychological theories and techniques to treat individuals, couples, or groups with mental health issues.

In other words, psychology is the scientific study of the mind, while psychotherapy is the practical application of this knowledge to treat individuals with mental health issues.

The cost of psychotherapy can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the type of therapy, the experience of the therapist, and whether it is provided in a private or NHS setting. On average, private therapy sessions can range from £50 to £100 per hour.

It's best to check directly with the therapist or clinic you're interested in to get an accurate estimate of the cost of their services.

My rates are £90 for a 1.5hr initial consultation, and £60 for each 50-minute session thereafter.

Psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health problems, including depression. Psychodynamic psychotherapy specifically sets in motion psychological processes that lead to ongoing change, even after therapy has ended.

The number of therapy sessions required to address an emotional issue varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as the severity and complexity of the issue, the individual's goals for therapy, and the therapeutic approach being used. Some people may only need a few sessions to see significant improvement, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy for several months or even years. It's important to discuss your specific needs and goals with your therapist to determine the appropriate number of sessions for you.

As a therapist, measuring progress and determining when therapy is no longer necessary is a collaborative process with the patient. The therapist will regularly assess the patient's progress and goals, and modify the treatment plan as needed.

The therapist will also look for signs of improvement in the patient's symptoms and functioning, such as reduced distress, improved relationships, and increased coping skills. The patient's feedback and self-reports are also important indicators of progress.

When the patient has achieved their therapeutic goals and is demonstrating sustained improvement, the therapist may start discussing the possibility of ending therapy. This decision is made with the patient's input, taking into account the patient's progress, goals, and overall wellbeing.

The duration of therapy varies for each individual and depends on a variety of factors such as the severity and complexity of the issue, the patient's motivation and engagement in therapy, and the patient's progress. The therapist will work with the patient to determine the best timeline for ending therapy, ensuring that the patient has the tools and support they need to continue their progress and growth outside of therapy.

As a therapist, it is important to have a realistic understanding of the success rate of psychotherapy and potential outcomes. While every patient is unique, research has shown that psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.

In therapy, patients can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and learn new skills to manage their symptoms and improve their overall wellbeing. Some patients may see significant improvement in a relatively short period of time, while others may require a longer course of therapy.

It's also important to note that psychotherapy is not a cure for every problem and may not be the best fit for everyone. The success of therapy can also depend on factors such as the patient's motivation, the therapeutic relationship, and the patient's engagement in therapy.

As a therapist, my goal is to provide evidence-based and individualized treatment to help patients achieve their therapeutic goals and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing. I also strive to be transparent and honest with my patients about the potential outcomes and limitations of therapy.