FAQs

FAQs

What is psychoanalytic psychotherapy?

Psychoanalytic therapy is a well-established longer-term exploratory therapy that is long-lasting and effective. For more information, read more here.

How long does therapy last?

Whilst I might sometimes offer a shorter-term (6 months) therapy, in the majority of cases I will suggest treatment should be for at least 1 year. Many people will remain in therapy for a number of years. These longer time periods are generally required for exploration and deep-seated change to take place.

What frequency of therapy do I need?

I offer therapy between x1 and x3 a week (other psychoanalytic colleagues may work up to x5 times a week). Increasing the frequency of your therapy can give more space to explore things without needing to 'tidy everything away' to the same degree before the end of the session. Work can often take place in a deeper way. For some people, it can be easier to get in touch with more troubling thoughts or feelings knowing that there isn't as long to wait before the next session. More frequent therapy isn't for everyone though can be very helpful for some. I will discuss the different options with you during an initial consultation and make a recommendation.

What is the couch for?

When you come to visit me, you will see the psychoanalytic couch in the corner of the room (the appearance can vary from one therapist to the next ranging from a 'chaise longue' to a divan bed). For some people, I might invite them to use the couch with the aim being to lie down and speak with the therapist sitting out of view behind you. The idea is that using the couch can facilitate people to speak what comes to mind more easily without the impact of seeing and responding to another person who is visibly in front of them. A person's thoughts, speech and tendency to form connections can be loosened up and allow the therapy to take place in a deeper way. In most cases, I will talk to you about using the couch for more frequent therapies (i.e. x3 a week).

How flexible can you be with sessions?

A significant part of the therapy is ensuring that sessions are consistent and that they take place in the same location, at the same time every week in a regular way. If the time/place of therapy isn't consistent enough then this has been shown to have an unsettling effect and can make it harder to explore more troubling or painful issues. In general, I would suggest that once we have agreed to a regular session time, we do not change this time. Sometimes if circumstances change then we can plan for this in advance - just discuss with me.

I would like to have sessions once a fortnight?

I don't currently offer therapy any less than once a week. At reduced frequencies it can be much more difficult to establish the necessary regularity for the therapy to be as effective.

How much do you charge?

The fee for therapy can vary depending on frequency and timing of sessions. I charge £80 per session for an initial consultation. For most once weekly therapies the fee will be around this £80 mark. The rate can be less than this for more frequent sessions and I can discuss this with you during a consultation. I very occasionally have a limited number of reduced fee slots for x3 a week therapy only. if you are interested in this option, please let me know.

I charge for any sessions that I am available but will not charge if I am on a planned break or have to cancel unexpectedly. I do however charge if you cancel for whatever reason

Do you give a diagnosis?

Although I started my career training as a doctor and consultant psychiatrist, I am no longer working medically. Whilst I can think with you about your symptoms and what any diagnosis might mean to you, I currently take the position that I do not give formal diagnoses or prescribe medication. In most cases, I will encourage you to speak to your GP if a medical opinion is needed though I can help you find the right support should this be required.

Do you write to my GP?

When you come to see me, I will ask for details of your GP/family doctor. This is solely for the purposes of being able to contact them in an emergency (i.e. if you have become seriously unwell and urgent care is needed). Otherwise, I do not routinely contact your GP and they will not be informed that you are receiving treatment with me unless you tell them.

For all other questions, please feel free to get in touch and will be happy to speak with you over the phone and arrange a consultation if wanted.