What happens in the first therapy session? Do I need to prepare?
Think of the first one or two therapy sessions as an introduction, where you and your therapist are both getting to know each other and setting expectations. You do not need to prepare anything specific, but it can be helpful if you have had a think about what you hope the end result of therapy to be.
You will work together with your therapist, considering your needs and wants as well as your circumstances, where you are on your journey, and where you would hope to end up.
From this, you can agree on a tailored treatment plan with your therapist, exploring the different therapy options that can help overcome the challenges you are facing
How long will therapy last?
Sessions are usually 60 minutes and take place either weekly or fortnightly.
There is no set number of sessions as this varies based on a number of factors, like what your goals are, and which approach your therapist takes.
Sessions typically continue for around 6 – 16 sessions, rarely fewer but sometimes more sessions are needed.
For a focused problem, therapy would last 6 – 8 weeks minimum, but extra sessions are often required to work on maintaining the changes implemented in therapy.
A more long-term therapy may be required for complex or longstanding difficulties, depending on the needs of the client.
Will the therapy be online or in person?
How you have your therapy is completely down to preference and availability. At our practice, we have high quality, calm and welcoming therapy spaces designed with your comfort in mind. However, as we have a number of therapists in our practice, there is not always a room available.
Whether you hope to come into the practice, or to receive the benefits of therapy from the comfort of your own home, the most suitable arrangements can be negotiated with your therapist.
How much do you charge per session?
All Psychologists and CBT Therapists working at the clinic offer sessions for £120 for individuals.
Sessions for couples and families may be charged at a higher rate.
Sessions for specific types of intervention such as EMDR may be charged at a higher rate. Sessions with counsellors are charged at a lower rate.
Please contact us for further information on specific therapists' fees.
What is the best approach for me/my child?
The best approach for you depends on what you want, need, and feel most comfortable with. It is best to explore the different types of therapy that are available and choose one that you feel is best suited to you.
At Surrey Therapy Practice, we offer a range of therapies which you can read more about on our Services Page.
I have some privacy concerns. Will my information be kept confidential?
To meet standards set by The British Psychological Society and The British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies and for insurance purposes, your therapist will keep written records of your treatment. These records are confidential and secure and measures are taken to protect your data.
Information will only be shared if you have consented to this, or if there is a concern about your safety or the safety of others. We adhere to our professional body’s ethical framework and guidelines to ensure that you receive a professional and quality service.
Please ensure your read through our Privacy Policy for full details on how we use and store your information here.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We kindly request that you provide a minimum of 24 hours notice if you need to cancel your appointment in the case of an unexpected emergency.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice, and non-attendance with no notice, will be charged at the full session rate.
Please contact your therapist directly, and it can be worth asking your therapist if they can offer you a different time, or a session via phone or Skype that week.
What happens at the end of therapy?
The progress made during therapy can be discussed by you and your therapist, giving you another chance to review your treatment goals, whether they have been achieved or if they have changed since the start of therapy.
It is therefore a joint decision of when and how to end therapy, taking into consideration all factors including personal needs and funding.
The aim is to ensure you feel comfortable and confident both upon ending therapy and in the long-term.
What are the covid safety measures in place?
We have a number of measures in place across the clinic to help therapists see clients face to face safely, e.g. cleaning procedures, ventilation, social distancing, appointment staggering, wearing masks, symptom screening questions.
All rooms come complete with a box of tissues, hand sanitiser, and disinfectant products, in line with the COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. All contact surfaces are wipeable.
We have a clear and detailed risk assessment/management document based on the latest government guidance that is shared with all therapists to ensure consistency across practitioners using the clinic.
Do you adult ADHD assessments meet the NICE criteria and are recognised by a GP to prescribe further treatments?
The ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) assessment meets the NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) guidelines and is guided by the DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder-V) using the DIVA a golden measure of diagnostic assessment interview for adults.
At the end of the assessment process a report provides suggestions for psychological and pharmacological treatment. The report can be shared with other professionals including a Psychiatrist or the GP.
Would an education provider be able to provide extra support based on their findings?
The outcome of the assessment informs further suggestions for treatment including areas of strength and needs. Professionals providing ADHD therapy/support could then liaise with the relevant systems (e.g., academic, professional) in order to provide tailored guidance of the required implementations.