What is counselling and psychotherapy? 

Counselling and psychotherapy are therapeutic processes that involve talking to a trained professional to explore and address emotional, psychological, and behavioral challenges and make positive changes to your life.

What can counselling and psychotherapy help with?

Emotional Support: Therapists provide a safe and confidential space for you to express your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This emotional support can be crucial during difficult times.

Improved Coping Skills: Therapists can teach and help you develop effective coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.

Enhanced Self-Understanding: Counselling allows for self-reflection, helping you gain a deeper understanding of yourself,  your sense of identity, your behaviors, and the underlying factors contributing to your struggles.

Relationship Improvement: Therapy can assist in improving communication skills and resolving conflicts, leading to healthier relationships with family, friends, and partners.

Stress Reduction: Learning how to manage stress through therapy can have a positive impact on your overall mental and physical well-being.

Behavioral Changes: Therapists can assist you in identifying and modifying negative behaviors or habits that may be hindering your personal or professional life.

Increased Self-Esteem: Working with a therapist can boost self-esteem and self-confidence by helping you recognise and appreciate your strengths and accomplishments.

Coping with Life Transitions: Whether it's a job change, a health diagnosis, loss, or major life transition, therapy can provide guidance and support during periods of uncertainty.

Overcoming Trauma: Psychotherapy is effective in helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences, fostering resilience and emotional well-being.

Setting and Achieving Goals: Therapists can help you set realistic and achievable goals, providing guidance and support as you work towards positive life changes.

Managing Mental Health Conditions: Counselling is a crucial component of managing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. 

How long does a therapy session last?

Therapy sessions last for 50 minutes.

What happens in the first session?

The first meeting is an opportunity for you to connect with Lorraine and discuss how you might work together. You'll delve into practical aspects like fees, confidentiality, and boundaries, as well as explore the therapeutic process together. This initial session is your time to determine if you feel comfortable working with Lorraine. If you choose to move forward, she will suggest an initial commitment of 6 weeks, allowing for an extended "settling in" period to ensure that the therapeutic space feels right for you. During this period, Lorraine will ask about things such as your family and childhood history, building a comprehensive picture of you and your life. By understanding your unique experiences, she can create a therapeutic space that is personalised to meet your specific needs. After this period, you will review your experience, and can decide whether to continue to work together until you no longer need the space, or conclude there. 

How often do I have to come?

To maintain consistency and continuity the service requires a weekly commitment. This allows the therapeutic process to unfold more smoothly and facilitates a deeper exploration of thoughts and feelings.  Weekly therapy also allows for a trusting and strong therapeutic alliance to be developed.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions needed varies from person to person and depends on many factors including what you want to get from it.  How far you want to go in your therapeutic journey is up to you.  Your  readiness, openness and willingness to change will play a large factor in how quickly you progress. Some come for months and many come for years.

Is therapy confidential?

Yes, therapy is confidential. Lorraine adheres to strict ethical standards as set out by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) ensuring your privacy and trust are respected. There are, however, legal exceptions to confidentiality in cases of harm to self or others.  Please see the Policy page for further details.

Do you offer remote or online therapy services? 

Yes, Lorraine can offer remote therapy services to provide flexibility and accessibility. Online sessions can be conducted securely, allowing you to engage in therapy from the comfort of your chosen location

How much does it cost?

Fees per appointment are £50 for adults, £60 under 18's.   Fees are due on the day of your appointment.

Do I have to pay if I don't come or need to cancel?

The service requires a weekly commitment, and missed appointments without at least 2 weeks’ notice may incur fees.  Naturally, unexpected events can arise, and Lorraine will do her best to accommodate rescheduling within the 2-week notice period, offering alternative appointments where possible.  If a mutually convenient appointment cannot be found within this timeframe, the fee for the missed appointment will be due.