FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will therapy last?

Length of therapy is dependent on the nature and chronicity of the problems AND on the level of motivation of the client to work hard at overcoming them.

However, on average, clients attend between 8 and 15 sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy. The length of therapy is quite variable, and the final decision regarding the length of therapy rests jointly with the client and his or her therapist. If a client is making progress, and feels that it would be beneficial to stay in CBT this is easily arranged. As is participating for a shorter number of sessions.

Some of our clients stay for only two or three sessions,while others choose to have sessions over the span of two or three years.

How often are the sessions?

Typically, a therapy session lasts about 50 mins. This is the time that the client and therapist are meeting face-to-face in the office. At the start of therapy sessions will run more closely together, maybe fortnightly, and as therapy progresses sessions will be more spread out, to allow you to practice your new skills.

What will happen in the sessions?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a very problem focused approach. This means that we will focus on analysing what is wrong and subsequently on teaching you how to fix these problems.

Initial Sessions

The first 2-3 sessions are taken up with finding out what created the problems and what keeps the problems going.

Specific Goals

This course of action will often involve identifying specific goals for therapy, selecting specific methods and strategies that are going to be used and will check if you are in agreement with this.

Sessions further along

During sessions further along in treatment the content will vary between the therapist explaining certain issues (i.e. how lack of activity increases depression); analysing with you in very structured way problematic situations, designing specific tasks designed to teach you to deal differently with problems etc.

How much does it cost?

For information about cost, please see our Fees page.

Will my private health insurance cover therapy?

Yes, CBT Therapy is generally covered, but please check with your insurance company. Some companies require you to see a consultant psychiatrist first.

Is CBT Therapy available on the NHS?

Yes, but waiting times vary from area to area. Your GP will advise you.

Do you offer evening and weekend appointments?

There are no weekend appointments at present, and some evening sessions