Question 1

What will therapy be like?

Accepted Answer

Therapy is a unique experience, where you can explore your world within a non-judgmental, trusting and confidential relationship. From here, you'll gain greater awareness and understanding of yourself/yourselves, the patterns of your thoughts, emotions and behaviours, and where new choices can be found.
 
There are many therapeutic approaches (hundreds!) and a whole world of techniques and theories used by therapists. Interestingly, research has shown the most important aspect of therapy to be the nature of the relationship between client/s and the therapist, rather than any specific technique or theory. In the end, it is about finding the therapist that works for you.

Question 2

What will happen at our first session?

Accepted Answer

In our first meeting we will look at what brings you to therapy and explore what you hope to gain from counselling. I will be interested in hearing more about you and you will be able to ask about how I work. We can discuss how counselling might be able to support you and how we might work together in a collaborative way.

Whether you're seeking therapy as an individual or as a couple, our first meeting provides an opportunity to explore what brings you here and what you hope to gain from counselling. I’ll be interested in learning more about you – your experiences, concerns, and goals – and you’ll have the chance to ask questions about how I work and what to expect.

Together, we’ll consider how therapy might support you and how we can work collaboratively to create a space that feels safe, respectful and tailored to your needs. For couples, this is likely to include understanding the dynamics of your relationship and identifying areas you'd like to strengthen or resolve.
 
Your first session will be charged at a reduced rate of £30 and will last 50 minutes for individuals and 60 minutes for couples.

Question 3

What happens after our first session?

Accepted Answer

Should we decide to work together, sessions will take place at the same time each week and will last fifty minutes for individuals and sixty minutes for couples. Sessions for individuals cost £65 and sessions for couples cost £75. There is no rule about how long therapy should last - it can range from a few weeks to a number of years.  It is important to attend regularly, to maintain a sense of safety and continuity. We will regularly review how the therapy is progressing, and it will be your choice as to how long you wish to keep coming.
 
Through therapy you can learn more about who you are and understand the choices that have led you to where you are today. Whether individually or within a relationship, you will then be able to begin to make new choices and become more of who you would like to be.

Question 4

What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

You will see these terms used in a variety of ways, by different people, to describe what is essentially a talking therapy. So it's probably easiest to refer to what I offer as therapy.

Question 5

Why do people go to therapy?

Accepted Answer

There is no rule for what you should and should not attend therapy for. There may be a specific crisis or problem that you need help with. You may wish to get in touch with yourself/selves at a deeper level to try to unravel the patterns that seem to hold you back or you may see it as an opportunity for personal development.  If you feel you need some help and support, either as an individual or as a couple, therapy could be for you.

Question 6

How does couples counselling work?

Accepted Answer

Relationship therapy can be a powerful opportunity to explore what’s working - and what’s not - in your relationship. With the right support, many people in relationships find ways to make meaningful changes that lead to a happier, healthier partnership.

When we begin working together, my priority is to understand each partner’s perspective as fully as possible. I aim to ensure that both individuals feel heard, respected, and given equal space to express their thoughts and emotions.

A key part of my role is to facilitate constructive communication between you and your partner. I’ll help you both explore your situation in depth in a safe, non-judgmental environment where you feel confident to speak openly and honestly and to reflect.

Relationship therapy works best when partners are willing to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings. Some people find this easier than others, and that’s okay - I’ll support you to express yourselves at a pace that feels right for you both.

Stephen Glover
Counsellor & Psychotherapist

FAQ