Many people searching for psychotherapy in St Albans are not quite sure what the word means. They may just know that something does not feel right, or that they have been coping for too long. If that sounds familiar, I hope this short guide helps you decide whether psychotherapy might be for you.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a talking therapy. You work with a trained therapist, in a safe and confidential space, to explore what is troubling you. It is not about being given advice or being judged. It is about understanding yourself more deeply, so that you can make changes that last.
That might mean noticing patterns that keep repeating in your relationships, understanding how earlier experiences still affect you today, or finding new ways of responding to difficult feelings. In my own work I use an integrated approach, which can combine psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnotherapy, depending on what suits you.
What can psychotherapy help with?
People come to therapy for many different reasons. Some of the things I often work with include:
- Stress and anxiety
- Low mood and depression
- Low self-esteem
- Relationship difficulties
- Disordered eating and weight issues
- The effects of past trauma
- Feeling stuck, or wanting to understand yourself better
You do not need a diagnosis, and your difficulty does not need to be “serious enough”. If something is affecting your life, it is worth talking about.
What happens in a session?
We begin with a free initial consultation. It is a relaxed opportunity to meet, ask questions and see whether we feel like a good fit. That matters, because the relationship between client and therapist is an important part of the work.
After that, sessions usually last an hour, and most of my clients meet weekly or fortnightly. There is no script. Some weeks you might arrive knowing exactly what you want to talk about, and other weeks you may not, and both are fine. I will listen, ask questions and help you make sense of what is happening. As things change and you feel steadier, we can review how often you need to come. Ultimately, the goal is for you to feel more in charge of your own life.
How long does it take?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people find that a shorter piece of work of around 12 to 16 sessions is enough, while others prefer to work over a longer period. We can review your progress together, and you are always free to decide what feels right.
In person or online?
You can see me in my consulting room on French Row in St Albans, or by secure video call from anywhere in the UK. Some people prefer being in the room, while others value the convenience of being at home. You can read more about how online therapy works.
Choosing a psychotherapist
It is sensible to check a therapist’s training and professional memberships. I am an accredited member of the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP) and a member of the National Hypnotherapy Society and the National Society of Talking Therapies. I am also EMDR qualified, and may draw on EMDR techniques within therapy where appropriate.
Just as important is how you feel with the person. Trust your instincts during that first conversation, and ask whatever you need to ask.
Cost and insurance
My standard fee is £70 per session, and the initial consultation is free. You may also be able to pay through your private health insurance, as I work with AXA Health, Vitality and WPA. Cover varies, so do check with your insurer. My health insurance page explains how it works.
Finding out more
You can learn more on my psychotherapy in St Albans page. Starting therapy is a big step, and it is completely normal to feel unsure. You do not have to have everything worked out before you get in touch.
Ready to talk? Get in touch to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation. You can call me on 07855 918895, or find me at Suite 5, 7 French Row, St Albans.