Questions frequently asked about Therapy

How might I benefit from Counselling or Therapy Services?

Counselling and/or Psychotherapy are a process which allows you to talk about your feelings and concerns, within a confidential and supportive environment. It does not involve advice, labelling or judgement. Instead, it provides you with an opportunity to gain insight into your present situation, feelings and behaviour. As a consequence, you will be able to make a clear and informed choice about your future options in life.

The goals of Counselling / Psychotherapy might be defined as:

• Assisting in the resolution of personal concerns and problems
• Facilitating with the healing and development of relationships
• Cultivating insight into life-scripts and/or adaptations (default life-positions)
• Developing new life-methods and coping strategies
• Initiating personal growth

Ultimately… successful therapy should result in the acquisition of insight; such that the individual (having developed clarity of thought) operates from a “healthier” viewpoint, which in turn aids interaction with their world. Top

Which Therapy would best suit me, Counselling or Psychotherapy?

Although both may be described as talking therapies, which allow individuals to deal with specific “here & now” life issues, Psychotherapy might typically be employed when dealing with deeper issues; most commonly in situations where past experiences cause present distress. Then again, it is not uncommon for a Counselling session to uncover a behavioural origin, necessitating a Psychotherapeutic intervention, or vice versa. Top

What styles of Therapy are available?

Analysis WA – Professional Counselling & Psychotherapy Services offers the following psychotherapeutic modalities or interventions:

• Transactional Analysis (Berne)
• Person Centred / Humanistic (Rogers)
• Existential (Yalom, et al)
• Psychoanalytic / Psychodynamic (Various)

The above list is meant solely as a guide, and as such is by no means exhaustive. Many other therapeutic modalities (e.g. Gestalt; Cognitive Behavioural; Empty-Chair; Parent Interview; Re-decision Therapy; etc.) may be employed during any given session as deemed appropriate by the therapist.

This adoption of an Integrated approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy, allows us to blend a variety of techniques simultaneously within a single framework. It also means that we can offer you a choice of either short-term or long-term therapy solutions. As a result, we are able to tailor our services to match your individual needs and requirements much more closely than any single traditional form of therapy would allow. Top

How long does Counselling / Psychotherapy treatment last?

The number of sessions that you decide to book will vary in accordance with the nature of your presenting concern, and the depth to which you would like to explore this. Some patients/clients choose a short course of therapy to deal with a specific issue, whilst others prefer to undertake longer term therapy as a means of exploring broader themes within their lives. The length and form of the therapy, is something that you can discuss and agree with your therapist at the start of the counselling process. This approach can then be reviewed at regular intervals, to ensure that you are receiving the therapy that is right for you. Top

How long is a Counselling / Psychotherapy session?

Our Counselling and/or Psychotherapy consultations are typically 60 minutes in duration. I say “typically” because, should we find ourselves at a particularly critical juncture and/or productive stage of therapy, whilst nearing the end of the therapeutic hour; then we have a built-in degree of flexibility in the timing. Top

If I decide to attend Therapy, how often would I need to see you?

The frequency of consultations, and the duration of the treatment programme will vary from person to person, depending on their specific needs. The majority of our patients/clients schedule consultations on a regular weekly basis, and we reserve a specific day and time for them. Top

Do I need to be referred by my Doctor?

No, a referral is not necessary. However, if you have an extensive and/or relevant medical history, then a brief synopsis from him/her may be helpful. Nevertheless, this is by no means compulsory. Indeed most patients/clients appreciate the confidentiality and anonymity that our practice affords them. Top

Does my G.P have to know that I am seeing a Therapist?

Although I can easily keep your General Practitioner apprised of your involvement, this certainly is not mandatory. However, if you wished it so (always mindful of patient/client confidentiality), any information communicated would be on an “as needs” basis only. Top

Can you explain the limitations of patient/client confidentiality?

The maintenance of total privacy is an integral facet of any consultation; as such, the clinician’s duty to respect patient/client confidentiality is absolutely paramount. The only exception to the rule however, would be a public health issue; where “the clinician believes the behaviour of the patient/client puts others at risk; or he/she has explicitly indicated an intention to harm someone”. With this in mind most General Medicine & Mental Health regulatory bodies are in concordance, and have issued the following recommendation:

“Although every Clinician has an ethical obligation to preserve the confidences of their patients, there are circumstances under which confidentiality may be breached, such as danger to self and others, child abuse, etc.”

Analysis WA – Professional Counselling & Psychotherapy Services, consider patient/client confidentiality to be sacrosanct. With that in mind, the practice’s policy is the unqualified adherence to the above guidelines; nevertheless, should it ever be thought necessary to breach the patient/client confidentiality bond, this will be discussed at length with him/her before so doing. Top

I suffer from depression but do not wish to take antidepressant medication; can this be treated in some other way?

Yes. Contrary to established Psychiatric thought, the majority of depressive episodes can be found (in the course of extensive Psychotherapeutic exploration) attributable to one or more significant life event; frequently having occurred within the ages of birth to 10yrs. However, with the management of a particularly resistant and/or overwhelming depressive episode; modern anti-depressant medication can prove a valuable short term adjunct to Psychotherapy. Top

Will Counselling/Psychotherapy make me unhappy?

To be honest, it could (initially). Therapy may well bring up unresolved pain and loss. It is not uncommon during the Psychotherapeutic journey, to happen upon an unresolved grieving process from the past; which has now (unconsciously) manifested as the underpinning of a present day new set of problems. In such a case, it is invariably beneficial to work towards grieving this loss in the present day, as a means of healing the past.

So, yes, you may well feel a little worse at first, before you can begin to learn, heal, grow, and move on; and subsequently feel a whole lot better! As with most things in life, recognition is 50% of the cure. Top

What is the difference between Counselling/Psychotherapy and Coaching?

Counselling/Psychotherapy and Coaching ostensibly may appear to share some similarities, but in significant ways are actually quite different. Coaching is strongly grounded in work effectiveness and performance, rather than wider life issues. Whilst certain skill-sets seem to coexist; the Counsellor or Psychotherapist is typically trained to work at a far deeper level than a Coach; particularly where psychological and emotional issues exist.

In contrast to Coaches, Psychotherapists are very careful about boundary issues; and do not have contact with patients/clients outside of the immediate working relationship. Moreover, should a Psychotherapist possess a sound medical grounding also, he/she shall be better placed (as opposed to a Coach) to consider all the aspects of your health, and their potential contribution to your mental wellbeing. Top

What if I cancel or fail to show up for a Therapy session?

Bookings are payable in full unless a minimum of two working days' notice is given. For full details of our cancellation policy see under “Your 1st Visit – Expectations…” Top

How do I book a Therapy session?

Enquiries may be directed through the 1300 (local call charge only) number to be found on our “Location & Contact Details” page. Should our telephone be engaged or go unanswered, please leave a message, and rest assured - we will get back to you as ASAP. To minimise the delay in returning your important call, administration time is deliberately allocated between patient/client consultations.

Alternatively, if the nature of your query is not too pressing, feel free to utilise the enquiry form, also situated within our “Location & Contact Details” page. Again, we will get back to you in person as soon as we can. Top