FAQs
- What if my child is nervous?
- What happens during a therapy session and do we get feedback?
- Does my child need to provide consent?
- How do I pay and what are your fees? Why are everyone's fees so different?
- There are so many different types of therapists, how do I pick the right one for my child?
- What’s the difference between a play therapist, a counsellor, a psychotherapist, a psychoanalyst, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
- You said you are registered with UKCP and BACP, what does that mean?
What if my child is nervous?
This is totally normal! It's natural to feel unsure and many people still worry about the stigma of attending therapy. I tend to say therapy is just some extra time and space with someone who helps you think about what's bothering you. You are welcome to come into the therapy room with your child and we can decide if it is best for you to be present for some or all of the first session. If your child wishes to leave early, there is no pressure to stay.
What happens during a therapy session and do we get feedback?
Therapy is different for everyone. Some, particularly adolescents, prefer to sit and talk, whereas others might choose to communicate via play or through creating artwork. Sessions occur at the same time each week to provide a sense of consistency. We can review how the work is progressing at 6-week intervals, however it is important to state that therapy is confidential. Your child might decide to share with you what was discussed, however this is a space for them to bring sensitive issues to someone who is separate from friends and family. This allows them to work through difficulties without worrying about upsetting or offending the people they care about most. I would suggest leaving it up to your child if they wish to talk to you about therapy. If anything concerning arises I would hope to discuss this first with your child and then share this information with you. Much like a teacher at school, it is my duty to ensure children are kept safe and not at risk of harm.
Does my child need to provide consent?
Yes. I appreciate that often a parent is concerned for their child's wellbeing when the child has no interest in attending therapy. It can be difficult to know what to do in this situation. I am happy for your child to first meet me and see the therapy room with no pressure to continue. This way they are fully informed of what is involved before providing consent. If they do not wish to attend now, they might at a later date: timing is important. Also, therapy does not suit everyone. It might be that your child would benefit from a different service, which we can discuss.
How do I pay and what are your fees? Why are everyone's fees so different?
My fee is £70 per session and payment details are sent via email. If you look at different therapists/counsellors you might notice our fees vary considerably. Location can affect a therapist's rate, along with their level of qualification and experience. There is no standardised rate and the title of 'psychotherapist' is not protected in the UK, meaning there are no legal restrictions on who can use the term. I would always suggest checking a therapist's credentials to ensure they are with a recognised registering body.
There are so many different types of therapists, how do I pick the right one for my child?
There are so many different models of therapy, it can be a minefield (or even 'mindfield') for professionals to navigate, let alone parents. Each model has a different emphasis, but multiple research studies confirm it is a solid therapeutic relationship built on trust that is the most important factor when considering what makes therapy effective. 'Gut instinct' exists and is now backed by science, so I would trust your gut! Perhaps look at a few profiles and contact different therapists so you can decide who 'feels right'. I am happy to offer trial sessions.
What’s the difference between a play therapist, a counsellor, a psychotherapist, a psychoanalyst, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist?
This sounds like the beginning of a terrible joke. It's a great question and I'll try my best to answer it. If you are a mental health professional reading this please email me if it needs amending! It is mainly a question of training. A play therapist or counsellor generally trains for 1-2 years, with a requirement for supervision and some personal therapy. The work tends to focus more on the child's present situation rather than events from the past that may have shaped current behaviour. Play therapy is particularly child-led (non-directive), whereas a counsellor or psychotherapist might choose to direct the course of therapy depending on presenting issues. A psychotherapist has a minimum of 4 years' training at masters level and must attend their own therapy throughout with a supervision requirement. To become registered with UKCP they must accrue 450 client hours before they are accredited. They may focus on current events, as well as the child's past experiences. A psychoanalyst has undertaken a minimum of 4 years' training (though it is generally more like 6-7 years) at doctoral level. They must attend their own psychoanalysis 4-5 times a week with close supervision. A psychoanalyst can work at great depth, often focusing on early development, to uncover what lies at the root of current distress. A clinical psychologist has also trained at doctoral level for around 6-7 years. They can provide assessment, diagnosis and therapies like CBT. They are not required to attend their own therapy during training. It can take over 10 years to become a psychiatrist, who is the only person from the list able to prescribe medication. They are medical doctors with expertise in the diagnosis of mental health conditions.
You said you are registered with UKCP and BACP, what does that mean?
This means I have undertaken rigorous training as a psychotherapist and abide by a code of ethics to ensure I work safely with your child. To remain on the registers means I have to attend regular training to keep me informed of important social issues, including safeguarding. I have a supervisor who monitors my work, and I have been through years of therapy myself to make sure I am a secure, reliable and trustworthy mental health professional.
