Common Questions I Get Asked As An Experienced Therapist In Bournemouth
Does therapy mean I’m weak or that there’s something wrong with me?
Having therapy does not mean that there is something wrong with you. Almost everyone has had therapy, and you might not know this because there is still a somewhat negative stigma around it. Therapy is talking about your problems and learning how to deal with them – what is weak about that? In fact, it takes real strength to face your struggles head on. Most people come to me because they want less mental noise in their heads, not because something is necessarily wrong.
Is therapy worth it financially?
In my experience as both a professional, but also someone who has invested in therapy for myself, I’ve seen great benefits in understanding more about how your psychology works. When you understand more about how you personally function, then it makes sense that you can use that understanding to function better. This then leads to higher levels of both wellbeing and performance. So investing in therapy really pays off in both how good you feel, but also in how well you do in life.
Is talking about my problems really going to help?
We don’t just talk about your problems, that wouldn’t be that helpful. We transform your problems. The therapy I deliver is science-backed and has been shown to be helpful for overthinking, low confidence and self-esteem, people-pleasing, feeling stuck and career decisions as well as for anxiety, depression and trauma. Therapy = perspective change, new understanding, higher emotional intelligence, and nervous system shifts. You’ll find that you start to notice a different in-between sessions very quickly. People that work with me feel more focused at work, more present at home, and more confident in their decisions. Instead of pushing harder, they learn how to think more clearly and respond to challenges with greater ease.
I’ve had therapy before and it didn’t help, why would this be different?
Unfortunately not all therapists have trained equally. Before I was a therapist I also experienced some bad therapists. I’ve personally been through depression, anxiety and trauma with C-PTSD so I know what it’s like when you give something a go and it doesn’t work. To reassure you, I offer a free complimentary consultation call so we can get to know each other. Plus I’m highly qualified and experienced, having worked in the NHS for 14 years and being a Senior Lecturer in Psychotherapy at University. Many people stop therapy because of a mismatch where the therapist or their style or pace didn’t suit them. We’ll prioritise clear aims and methods that match your thinking style and regular check-ins on progress.
Is therapy hard work?
This is probably the biggest misconception I come across with potential clients. Therapy is not hard work. It is not scary. Therapy makes things easier, not harder. I specialise in making psychology practice, easy, understandable and accessibly so that you can find life easier. You’ll always have control over pace, topics and next steps.
Isn’t therapy selfish?
Actually therapy is the least selfish thing you can do for yourself. If you consider that therapy will help you feel happier, more at ease, more compassionate and more understanding, then you can see how working on yourself creates a ripples effect in the world. In my experience, your friends and family will appreciate you being a better version of yourself. Therapy is well worth the time, effort and money and you’ll find practical strategies you can use straight away to change how you show up every day.
Is it just talking about my feelings?
My professional perspective is that when we learn how our minds work, we work better. Therapy with me is not just talking about your feelings – that wouldn’t get us anywhere. I will want to understand what’s going on for you which might include your thoughts, feelings and behaviours, and then I will help you navigate whatever you’re stuck with using my experience in psychology.
Is everything confidential?
I absolutely take everything shared in full confidence and very much respect your privacy. I’m also human and am happy to share my experiences with you in session if I think it would be helpful for you.
What happens in the first session?
We meet online on Zoom and it's an information gathering session. You'll be trying to decide if you think I can help you, and if you want to work with me. And I'll be seeing if I think I can help you and work well with your unique circumstances. Then after the initial online consultation we can decide if we are going to work together further. If we are, you can come to my office in Bournemouth, Dorset where we will start therapy. We can also work online for the duration of therapy too.
If you would like to get started, you can book a free 20 minute call now:
