Why do people seek therapy?

This isn’t an exhaustive list. But psychotherapists generally work with these kinds of issues:

• anxiety
• depression
• eating disorders
• issues related to caring responsibilities, eg because you care for someone else who is disabled or unwell
• panic attacks
• phobia
• loneliness/isolation
• anger management
• relationship problems
• career development
• post-natal depression
• bereavement
• feelings of lethargy with no obvious medical cause
• issues related to menopause and/or midlife
• general feelings of malaise, dissatisfaction and lack of fulfilment
• sexual issues
• dealing with illness

Why would I go to a psychotherapist?

There are lots of reasons why people try psychotherapy–here are just some of them.

• Maybe you already understand what the problem is, but can’t seem to fix it or find ‘closure’.
• You might have already tried a few sessions of counselling at your GP’s surgery, or at a student counselling centre, or worked with a self-help book, mindfulness tutor or meditation centre.
• You are in distress, but don’t meet the criteria for treatment on the NHS, or no such treatment is available
• You want to see someone, but can’t attend sessions in person due to your caring responsibilities (we can offer appointments via telephone or VSee video link)
• You might have found short-term relief or some useful strategies to help when symptoms appear, but feel you’d like to know more about why you developed them in the first place.
• You’ve realised that you don’t know yourself as well as you think you do
• Perhaps you’re anxious, low, or panicky, but don’t know why.
• You might think, ‘why do I always…’ or ‘I’m fed up with picking partners who…’ or ‘why do my family make me feel so…’
• Or you may be at a crossroads: you wonder who you really are and what you want from life just now, and think you’d benefit from seeing someone who doesn’t know you or your family.

Isn’t it better to talk to someone who knows me?

When you’ve got a personal issue, you might start by speaking to a friend or colleague. Maybe there’s a relative you can confide in. But not all of us have relationships like this. And sometimes, it can be even more difficult to talk to someone you know.

It could be that they want to jump in with a solution before you’ve really explained the issue. Perhaps they’re too busy to give you the attention you need, or you’re overwhelmed by difficult feelings as soon as you start. Or maybe you don’t want their helpful ‘advice’.

Psychotherapy can provide a neutral, welcoming and non-judgmental space where–with no complications caused by work, family or friendship networks, you’re free to concentrate on you.

How do I know that you work ethically?

We believe that therapists should maintain strict standards of confidentiality, impartiality and integrity. We abide by the ethical rules of the UK Council for Psychotherapy