Frequently asked questions
Who is counselling for?
Many people who experience a loss of meaning in their lives or who are seeking a greater sense of fulfillment may be helped by psychodynamic psychotherapy. Sometimes people seek help for specific reasons such as eating disorders, physical problems and limitations or obsessive behaviour. At other times help is sought because of more general underlying feelings of depression or anxiety, difficulties in concentrating, dissatisfaction in work or inability to form satisfactory relationships. I work with a range of issues including the following:
- Abuse (sexual, physical and emotional)
- Anger issues and anger management
- Bereavement and loss
- Depression and anxiety
- Eating disorders
- Identity issues
- Panic attacks
- Problem with addiction
- Relationship difficulties but not couple therapy
- Self-harm and suicidal feelings
- Sexuality
- Stress
How long will it take?
There is often an anxiety, especially in the beginning, about how long counselling/psychotherapy may take. It is important that these anxieties or wishes are brought to sessions and discussed. Often people come with emotional/psychological problems that have taken years to build up, so there is a need to allow time for the work.
Sometimes people have a very specific reason for seeking counselling and decide that they would like this to be the focus of the work and a fixed number of sessions can be appropriate.
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
We all have different personalities and therefore connect and respond differently to a therapist. It is important that you should feel comfortable with me. The initial consultation is a mutual process and as such you can decide whether you want to work with me. It is important to find someone who you feel you can talk to and who can support you to bring about the changes you are seeking. After these initial sessions you may wish to take a little time to consider whether you want to continue. If I feel counselling is not in your best interests I will discuss this with you and if appropriate signpost to an alternative form of help.
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy
Counselling and psychotherapy both look at issues in the present and may explore how the past might impact on the present. In general, counselling is more short term and more focused on present problems, psychotherapy addresses more underlying issues from the past.
What Qualifications do you have?
I have a MA in Psychodynamic Theory and Practice,
I am a member of the FPC (Foundation for Psychotherapy and Counselling) and registered with the BPC (British Psychoanalytic Council)
The BPC register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) The BPC only accepts registrants who have received a rigorous training and maintain their professional development. I work to and abide by their code of practice and ethics and am subject to their complaints procedure.
Bedford