Common Questions

“What kind of problems can you help?” 

  

 Problems that I can typically help include: 

  

• Couple relationship difficulties 

• Adult mental health issues 

• Parenting issues, including work with step-parents 

• Illness and disability in the family 

• Step-family life 

• The effects of trauma 

• Difficulties related to ageing and other life cycle changes. 

 

  

“What about people with disabilities?” 

  

I am very used to working with people who have physical impairments, memory difficulties etc. 

  

“What happens at our meetings?” 

  

The first time we meet, we will explore the possible benefits of further work. The starting point is always your concerns, but the initial session aims to build up a picture of who is or has been important to you in your life. Descriptions of strengths and successes are important to understand alongside your problems. Subsequent sessions are guided by what you have found most helpful in achieving your aims. 

  

If (but only if) you wished me to, I would keep your GP, social worker or any other professional you are working with informed of the work we do together. 

 

  

“How many sessions do people usually have?” 

  

This is very variable. In my practice, the average is about four sessions spread over several weeks, followed by a review, when further meetings might be agreed. 

  

“Who should come to sessions?” 

  

Who comes is up to you. Some people come on their own, but it is usually helpful to bring along at least one person who is important to you - perhaps a partner, friend, or family member. Young children can be involved in various ways, depending on your wishes, and in any case you can bring them along if you have no care arrangements for them. 

  

“What kind of supervision do you have?” 

  

Like all registered therapists, I attend regular sessions with a supervisor accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. My supervisor helps me to reflect on how to maintain standards and how to be a safe and effective practitioner. 

  

Note also that I am registered with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (Membership Number 2011162521) and am a full member of the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice. 

  

“What can you not do?” 

  

There are lots of things I can’t do, of course. If I think it unlikely that I can be useful to you I will tell you, and hopefully help you find a different therapist. In view of my particular background, I need to particularly stress that I cannot offer medical advice.   

  

"Can I have family therapy while also working with an individual therapist or counsellor?" 

  

The short answer is yes.  Family therapy explores different territory from most forms of individual therapy, and each approach can support the other.  However, it is important to discuss options with your therapist.  

  

 In therapy with couples or families I sometimes meet just one person as part of the work.  This is always to support the relational work, for example by giving someone a chance to think about how to say something important to another family member without anyone being hurt. Those sessions are never a form of individual therapy.    

  

"How do you protect confidentiality?" 

  

Confidentiality is vital in the therapy room, in other communications, and in my record-keeping and supervision.  The only time when a therapist cannot maintain confidentiality is when someone is in danger of harm.   

 

The email address I use is encrypted, with good security standards.    

  

“What if I have more questions?”   You are always welcome to send me a message