FAQS
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE THERAPY?
Together we will look at your thoughts, feelings and behaviours and establish if there are any that may be impacting negatively on your wellbeing. Once identified, we will work together to challenge any unhelpful thoughts and behaviours.
CBT is a practical approach which can be very fruitful for your wellbeing. I think it is very important to consider that you will be in your therapy session on a regular basis however this is just a small amount of time in the grand scheme of your life. Therefore in order to practice what you are learning in your session, we will together agree inter-sessional task(s) which give an opportunity for you to put in to practice the skills and techniques you have learnt in your sessions. These are then reviewed in the following sessions to see how you got on and to problem solve any difficulties.
Towards the end of your therapy we complete a plan together where we review what has been helpful, and what skills and techniques you would like to continue implementing. It is very beneficial to continue practicing what you have learnt in CBT, even after your complete your therapy sessions, as this protects against your difficulties returning.
ARE MY SESSIONS CONFIDENTIAL?
In order to help you feel safe and comfortable to share your thoughts and feelings, confidentiality is of the highest importance. Therefore, in line with the BABCP's Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics, I endeavour to protect your confidentiality at all times. This includes discussions in clinical supervision, where no personal identifiable information is used.
However, there are boundaries to confidentiality should I become concerned about your immediate safety, or the safety of others around you. If this became the case, I would always discuss this with you first.
Please click here to read the BABCP's Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics.
HOW OFTEN WILL WE MEET?
Initially, it is usually helpful to meet weekly as it is important to build the therapeutic relationship. As therapy progresses and we work towards concluding, you may want to move to fortnightly sessions.
HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR CLINICAL PRACTICE UP TO DATE?
In order to continue my professional development and maintain my accreditation with the BABCP, I participate in regular training/workshops in order to keep my knowledge and skills up to date. In addition to this, I am required to receive regular clinical supervision and have full professional indemnity insurance.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS CBT?
CBT is recommended by NICE (National Institute of Health and Care Excellence) for depression and anxiety difficulties, as it has one of the strongest evidence-base for effectiveness.
HOW CAN I MAXIMISE EFFECTIVENESS IN CBT?
CBT is a collaborative, practical therapy. Therefore in order to maximise treatment gains, it is important that you play an active part in your therapy. One way of doing this is by carrying out the agreed inter-sessional tasks and by practicing the implementation of CBT strategies and techniques in your life, outside of the therapy room. Research has also shown this to be an important factor in client recovery.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I NEED URGENT SUPPORT?
When feeling low and/or overwhelmed, it can be common to experience thoughts that you may be better off dead or thoughts to self harm. If this is the case, please contact your GP who has a duty of care to support you. If you can not contact your GP, please contact NHS111; Samaritans (freephone 116123) or go to A&E.
You can also contact SHOUT, a free text message service available 24/7 by texting the word ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
If your life is at imminent risk, please call 999 for immediate help.
HOW IS MY INFORMATION STORED?
In line with BABCP guidance, any treatment notes will be stored securely for a minimum of 7 years in accordance with GDPR regulations.