Who are psychotherapists?

Psychotherapists are mental health practitioners who come to this advanced clinical work via a training in any of the fields of psychology, psychiatry, social work, general practice in medicine, counselling or mental health nursing. Frequently therapists come to the training and clinical practice from other professions such as medicine or the humanities.

It is noteworthy that psychotherapists do not give counsel or advice but aim to create the conditions of self reflection and dialogue that enable the client to arrive at personal insights her/himself in the safety of the therapist’s supportive presence.

What about medication?

Non medicating psychotherapists such as Colette will if necessary refer clients to a medicating psychiatrist or another medical clinician, after which they may decide to continue in therapy with her while taking medication.

What is it like starting out?

Perhaps the hardest part is making the call. Or sending that first email.

Sometimes there has been a recent catalyst that has given you the impetus to finally make the call to seek help.

At other times people find it hard to decide that their distress warrants making the call for an appointment. Take heart that if you feel distressed or confused or flat and anxious, you will be taken seriously and encouraged to explore those initial experiences.

What if I am in a crisis?

Conversely if you are in a crisis, all efforts will be made to see you as soon as possible.

You don’t have to explain anything by phone: just ask for, or leave a message asking for an appointment.

All efforts will be made to see you as soon as possible. But don’t forget you can present to your closest Hospital A and E Department if in crisis overnight or weekend.

What is the first meeting like?

At our first meeting it is friendly and easy going. You do not lie on a couch as in Freudian days or classical analysis. We sit face to face online and unhurriedly and gently get used to beginning our conversation. We spend 45 minutes together and end the session. We do three initial sessions before you decide if you are going to stay on for a longer period. During this time I assess whether I think I can be of some help to you, and you get to ask yourself if I am the right therapist for you.

If we decide that we want to work together, we enter into an agreement about session times, which day of the week (the same each week) and fees.