Frequently Asked Questions

Counselling / therapy is time set aside by you and the therapist to look at what has brought you to therapy. This might include talking about life events (past and present), feelings, emotions, relationships, ways of thinking and patterns of behaviour. The therapist will do their best to help you look at your issues and identify the right course of action for you — either to help resolve your difficulties or find ways of coping. Talking about these things may take time, and will not necessarily all be included in one session. The number of sessions offered may be limited, and so it is best to ask about this in advance (British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy).

Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) that helps family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. Family therapy is often short term. It may include all family members or just those able or willing to participate. Your specific treatment plan will depend on your family's situation. Family therapy sessions can teach you skills to deepen family connections and get through stressful times, even after you're done going to therapy sessions.

Therapeutic play, including play therapy, is a well-established discipline based on a number of psychological theories. Research, both qualitative and quantitative, shows that it is highly effective in many cases. Recent research by PTUK suggests that 71% of children referred to play therapy show a positive change. A safe, confidential and caring environment is created which allows the child to play with as few limits as possible but as many as necessary (for physical and emotional safety). This allows healing to occur on many levels following our natural inner trend towards health. Sessions typically last 30 to 45 minutes (Play Therapy International).

You can seek counselling at any point in life when you feel you're struggling with your mental health. Often, therapy can help you navigate through difficult thoughts, feelings and identify patterns of behaviour when dealing with certain situations.

Marriage counseling, also called couples therapy, is a type of psychotherapy. Marriage counseling helps couples of all types recognize and resolve conflicts and improve their relationships. Through marriage counseling, you can make thoughtful decisions about rebuilding your relationship or going your separate ways.

Group therapy involves one or more psychologists who lead a group of roughly five to 15 patients. Typically, groups meet for an hour or two each week. Some people attend individual therapy in addition to groups, while others participate in groups only. Many groups target a specific problem, such as depression, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic pain or substance abuse. Other groups focus on improving social skills, helping people deal with anger, shyness, loneliness and low self-esteem (American Psychological Association).

Special education is the practice of educating students with special educational needs in a way that addresses their individual differences and needs. Ideally, this process involves the individually planned and systematically monitored arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, and accessible settings. Common special needs include learning disabilities (such as dyslexia), communication disorders, emotional and behavioral disorders (such as ADHD), physical disabilities, and developmental disabilities (such as autism spectrum disorders).

The first appointment you book will be an assessment session. This session lasts 50 minutes and gives you and your therapist a chance to understand if you can work together. During this session you can decide along with your therapist the number of sessions needed as well as the type of therapy required.