Frequently Asked Questions

Psychotherapy, or therapy for short, is sometimes called the “talking” treatment. This is because in therapy you talk with your therapist about how you are feeling and things that are worrying you.  Many people find that being able to talk about their problems eventually brings relief. Therapy also provides a special setting in which you can learn about yourself, your feelings and your relationships. This can help you to be more effective in your relationship with yourself and with others.

Because therapy supports people who are going through difficult times I find that people come to therapy for many different reasons. Some of the more common reasons include:

• Bereavement
• Coping with Stress
• Dealing with interpersonal or relational difficulties – romantic, family, friends, colleagues
• Dealing with traumatic experiences
• Difficulty with managing emotions
• Feelings of loneness, depression and suicidal thoughts
• Low Self-Esteem
• Managing Anxiety
• Problems with eating and body image
• Problems with self-harming behaviour
• Sexuality Concerns
• Substance abuse
• Uncertainty about the future and decision-making
• Personal development

No, going to therapy does not mean you are ill. The vast majority of people in therapy have no significant illness or psychological disorder.

Nothing could be further from the truth. It takes courage to address problems and examine painful feelings. To seek counselling is not a sign of weakness but indicates your desire to do something constructive about whatever is troubling you.

There many ways people help themselves apart from therapy. However, it does not need to be an either/or situation. Therapy is a resource for when you need extra help, when your usual ways of handling problems may not be working well for some reason. Everyone could use some extra help sometimes.

Though psychotherapy and psychiatry both deal with the mind, they are not the same. Psychiatrists are trained doctors, who mostly work by diagnosing illness and then prescribing a treatment, usually involving medication.

Psychologists on the other hand are non-medical professionals who work by talking and thinking with you about your problems. Psychologists are however trained to recognize the symptoms of serious mental distress, and may suggest you consider medical help if this is appropriate.

You will benefit most if you participate actively, attend sessions regularly, are on time and you are open and honest with your psychologist.

Because therapy involves thinking about feelings, therapy can affect people strongly and will at times be frustrating or even upsetting.   Sometimes you might feel angry or sad after a session and this may even make you feel like stopping the therapy. If these kinds of feelings arise, it’s helpful to discuss them with me.

Generally, you will meet with me on a regular basis (usually weekly) for about fifty minutes. I will listen carefully and think with you about your worries. I will be trying to understand things with you rather than give you advice or tell you what you should do. Some people find two or three sessions is helpful; while others find that it is appropriate to attend for a number of sessions.

You can expect to be listened to and treated with respect. I will be non-judgemental and accepting of differences of race, cultural background, ability, gender, religious affiliation and sexual orientation. You can expect that as your psychologist, I will be open to discuss anything you wish and will maintain the highest ethical and legal standards of confidentiality

Confidentiality is of the highest importance in psychology. In normal circumstances I will not divulge anything about you or your therapy to anyone, unless you wish this, and give your written permission.

There may however be exceptional circumstances in which I am legally required to break confidentiality and talk to a third party. This may typically occur if I believe there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.

• Fees are charged within Medical aid rates as recommended by the National Reference Price List (Board of Healthcare Funders). Please contact me regarding my fee for services.
• In circumstances of unusual financial hardship, I may be willing to negotiate a fee adjustment or payment installment plan.
• I do bill certain medical aid schemes directly. I encourage you to contact your medical aid in advance and establish what benefits you have available. Most medical aids will usually provide some coverage for mental health treatment. It is possible (depending on the nature of your particular scheme) that your medical aid may not refund you in full for my fee.

If you need to cancel a session, please inform me at least 24 hours ahead of time. Sessions not cancelled 24 hours in advance (irrespective of the reason), will be charged for. Please be aware that most medical aids will not pay for missed sessions.