FAQS
I AM IN A CRISIS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please get immediate help. Contact your GP, call NHS 24 (call 111), call the Samaritans (call 116 123) or other helpline, attend your nearest Emergency Department or contact someone you trust. Please, ask someone for help.
DO YOU OFFER REDUCED RATES?
Sadly we know that those who most need intensive therapy often cannot afford it as their condition gets in the way of their ability to function in the world. We are in the process of creating a charitable organisation which will provide free therapy and care. If you are interested in accessing this when it is ready please do get in touch.
HOW LONG DOES EACH THERAPY SESSION TAKE?
Therapy sessions are typically 50 minutes in length. Supervision sessions are 60 minutes. EMDR sessions are sometimes slightly longer to allow for complete processing (up to 90 minutes). Some people can only manage 30 minute sessions due to memory or attention issues, and this can be agreed in advance.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (www.nice.org.uk) has published recommendations for interventions for many common mental health disorders and mental illnesses. These range from 6 sessions for mild anxiety to at least 18 months of therapy for severe and complex presentations. Each person's needs are individual to them, and frequent reviews are needed to ensure you are benefitting from therapy.
WHAT ABOUT CONFIDENTIALITY?
We understand that there is still sometimes a stigma attached to seeking help for mental health problems. Very few people would be concerned about seeking help for a painful leg, but a painful life seems to be somehow shameful. It isn't, and we are leading the public discussion about how this must change.
Nonetheless, your problems are yours, and we will never share your details with anyone.
The very important exception tot his is about risk. If, in the course of our work together, we have sufficient reason to suspect that you or someone else may be at risk of significant harm then we have a legal and professional duty to report this. This will be explained further to you before any therapy is started.
WHO DO YOU WORK WITH?
We work with adults over the age of 16. We have extensive experience of working with individuals with mild, moderate and severe presentations of most common mental illnesses and mental health disorders. We have many years experience of working with people who are neuro and gender diverse. We have worked with 3rd sector organisations, NHS and local government agencies on developing mental health and wellbeing training and policies. We specialise in working with people who have experienced interpersonal and developmental trauma.
We are not, however, able to work with people who require extensive multi-disciplinary teams to ensure their safety, and consider it unethical to do so. Please ask us if you would like further clarification.
THE QUESTION I NEED AN ANSWER TO IS NOT LISTED HERE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please contact us with your question. If it is one we are able to answer then we will get back to you as soon as possible.