Psychotherapy In Essex and London Psychotherapy FAQs How Should I Choose A Psychotherapist? If you know someone who can recommend a psychotherapist, this is probably the best starting point. In the end, however, only you can determine if you are likely to be comfortable with someone, and whether you will be able to be open with them. After the initial session, you should feel comfortable enough to come back, and so begin to establish a trusting relationship.
What Does Psychotherapy Involve? Psychotherapy is a process where the therapist uses their training and skills to assist the client with the emotional difficulties they may be experiencing. It helps the person to understand and accept their strengths and weaknesses, as well as what makes them feel confident or anxious. Identifying feelings and ways of thinking helps the person to cope with situations they find difficult, and therefore develop new ways of approaching them.
Am I Just Having A Bad Day Or Do I Need To Speak With Someone? If you are aware that your feelings may have built up as a result of particular or immediate difficulties, for example, having to manage an unusual amount of stressful activities over a short period of time resulting in over tiredness. Then you may find that recognising this and managing your feelings in the familiar ways that you've found helpful in the past does in fact help you and ease the situation. This may be what you describe as 'just having a bad day'.
If, however, these feelings have persisted for any length of time and are not relieved through your usual supports and, on reflection, appear to follow a repetitive or familiar pattern which begins to interfere with your day-to-day functioning and relationships then speaking to someone not involved in the situation may be helpful and appropriate.
How Can Psychotherapy Help? Two common concerns for most people when they feel the need to consult a professional about themselves are, 'will the problem be put right? And 'will I be treated well?'
The majority of people discover that therapy can provide an opportunity to gain insight and understanding about their feelings and ways of behaving which opens the way towards:
Improved relationships The ability to make clearer choices Develop their own potential in life What Happens In Psychotherapy Sessions? Your first session will be different from future visits. The initial visit is where we together, develop a shared understanding of your difficulties, identify how these problems affect your thoughts, behaviours, feelings and daily functioning, identify goals and agree a treatment plan. The first session is also about getting to know each other and get an idea where to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature.
Keep in mind that psychotherapy is a long-term process, so don't expect any instant solutions to your problems the first day. Therapy is about equipping you with life-long solutions rather than a 'quick fix'.
What About Confidentiality? You need to be able to trust your therapist with what are often very private thoughts and feelings. Confidentiality is a subject covered when we meet for the first time, so that you are clear about my policy and procedures regarding confidentiality.
How Many Sessions With I Need? This will vary depending on the difficulties you are experiencing and also their severity. Following the initial assessment appointment we would agree together how many and how frequently sessions are to be arranged. The outcome of psychotherapy depends on the degree of effort and commitment which you are willing to put in. It does not offer a 'quick fix', and the amount of time you will need to spend depends on what you want to get from it. Some people have therapy for a matter of months; others go on for a number of years. You may decide to take a break from regular therapy and then return. It will be up to you how many sessions you have in all.
Are There Any Risks? Many people have concerns about what might happen if they start exploring their own psychological make-up. It is natural to be a little apprehensive about something new. That is why it is important to meet, discuss any concerns, and ask questions before making a final decision. A psychotherapist is trained and experienced in supporting people who are feeling apprehensive, lost, scared, sad or vulnerable.
The other way to look at it is to ask what risks are there in not seeking professional help. Keeping a lid on things is not usually the best way to handle emotional issues. In the long run, we may suffer more profound effects such as physical aches and pains, lack of energy, stress, depressed libido or even 'mental breakdown'.