How long will counselling/therapy take?
Unfortunately it is impossible for me to make any estimate before I have seen you and even then it is difficult. Generally speaking, difficulties that arise from early or extreme trauma or deprivation will take longer. Troubles that arise from later life experiences, for example, from changed life circumstances (such as loss, aging, some recent adverse event) can be quicker. If you have budgetary constraints, you can agree at the start to limit the number of sessions. I suggest that 10 sessions should be considered as a minimum.
What is Transactional Analysis?
Transactional Analysis (TA) uses the client's interpersonal relating behaviour to understand their psychology and to treat.
What does body-centred mindfulness entail?
This approach helps to build psychological resilience, emotional self regulation and self acceptance through focusing on the body and breathing. It includes techniques to reduce both emotional and physical suffering.
How do I choose a therapist who is the right 'fit' for me?
Meta-analyses of the effectiveness of therapies indicate that there is no one type of therapy that is more effective than another. The data shows that the outcome is much more about the characteristics of the therapist and client. You will do best with a therapist you feel comfortable talking to.
How do therapy and antidepressents stack up as treatments for depression?
Here is an analogy that I hope helps. If you have an infection in your foot, you could take aspirin and that might help you to keep walking on the foot. Antidepressants are like aspirin ie they are palliative care. They help to make life more liveable but do not treat the underlying problem. Therapy doesn't directly cure depression either but it builds psychological resilience which is equivalent to building a strong immune system in my analogy of the infected foot. Just as a strong immune system will help you fight off the infection and prevent another one arising, therapy will build psychological resilience which helps you reduce or eliminate the depression. Whereas antidepressants often have nasty side effects, the 'side effects' of therapy are greater psychological resilience to help you face all of life's challenges.
What is the UKCP
The United Kingdom Counsil for Psychotherapy is a professional association of psychotherapy organisations and practitioners in the United Kingdom. It is restricted to registered clinical psychotherapists and is a leading research, educational and regulatory body. UKCP is committed to ensuring the highest standards of practice for the benefit of the public.
What is the EATA
The European Association for Transactional Analysis is a Europe-wide organisation for the promotion of knowledge and research on Transactional Analysis. It is responsible for the maintenance of training and certification of Transactional Analysis practitioners.
