Here are some common questions to consider:

• Has the problem persisted for more than 3 months without any changes? 

• Is it affecting your personal and professional life? 

• Are you having trouble sleeping? 

• Neglecting your diet? Eating too little or too much? 

• Are you feeling low, tired, angry, fearful, anxious, or even suicidal? 

• Is the problem affecting your relationship?

He or she must be accredited with an organisation that is approved e.g. UKCP, BACP Check how many years’ experience - Obviously, the more years experienced in different content thee better.

Regular supervision and CPD update.

Indemnity Liability insurance if self employed.

Systemic psychotherapy is the main branch of Psychotherapy that I was trained in. However, I use other methods of intervention in my work. This approach is geared towards helping individuals, couples, families, and groups. Systemic therapy, therefore, helps individuals, couples, family, or groups to work together when the system is out of balance. Every individual, couple or family has problems and usually can find ways to overcome them. However, if the problems are ongoing and debilitating you can feel stuck, overwhelmed, hopeless etc. If the issues are beginning to impact on your wellbeing and relationships, then Psychotherapy can help you to heal, to communicate better, build stronger resilience and relationships and get back on track. 

My aim is to help clients get clarity about their problems and support them to find alternative solutions to managing these while aiming for the best outcomes. I aim to create a safe space for you to talk about the difficult thoughts and feelings you may be experiencing and to help you find clarity in the process.  The emphasis is on building resilience and strength so that you will be able to function in your day to day life. 

For more on understanding Family therapy and for a downloaded leaflet please open the link below. 

https://www.aft.org.uk/page/whatisfamilytherapy

Individual sessions last 50 minutes and Couple and family sessions are usually 90 minutes. The first session is usually in the form of a consultation. I ask questions to get an idea of the problem, for example when did it start, how is it affecting you and others around you? What have you tried, what's worked? What's not worked? Why therapy and why now? You also get to ask me about my role, style of working etc. Also involves me giving my formulation and recommendation on what next.  Once you and I agree that we can work together, we then set a goal for therapy and dates for sessions.

As sessions progressed, I will be exploring the issues, possible causes, challenging your belief system, helping you to create alternative ways of coping and at times recommending techniques for you to practise. I use a variety of techniques such as asking questions, visualisation techniques, art therapy, mindfulness meditation etc, depending on the client's needs. Sessions are reviewed regularly, and I have ongoing conversations with clients about their experience. A planned ending is usually discussed between me and the client. Occasionally, if I am not able to support you fully, I may make recommendations to other professionals with your onset. I do hope that I have been able to answer some of your questions, but please get in touch if you need further classifications, to make the decision about starting therapy.