What is Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy or counselling, is the process of meeting with a therapist to resolve problematic behaviours, beliefs, feelings, relationship issues, and/or somatic responses (sensations in the body). Beginning therapy can be a big step toward being the healthiest version of yourself and living the best life possible—no matter what challenges you may be facing. Through therapy, you can change self-destructive behaviours and habits, resolve painful feelings, improve your relationships, and more.
How many people in the UK have counselling or psychotherapy?
Almost one person in five has consulted a counsellor or psychotherapist, while almost half the population know someone who has, according to a survey by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which suggests that the stigma attached to "talking therapies" is disappearing.
The current survey found that 94% of people now consider it acceptable to have counselling and psychotherapy for anxiety and depression, compared with just 67% in 2004. Similarly, public acceptability of therapy for divorce or relationship breakdown has risen from 52% to 85% over the past six years.
What are the different therapies used?
The are many different types of psychotherapeutic/counselling approaches. The most common ones include:
- Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies
- Behaviour therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Humanistic therapy
- Integrative or holistic therapy
What sorts of issues can psychotherapy/counselling help with?
Therapy has been shown to be effective in dealing with a wide range of conditions including work related issues, stress, anxiety, relationships, parenting, depression, addictions, eating, sleeping, trauma, anger, family conflicts, LGBT matters, grief, religion, self-esteem and much more.
How do I choose the right therapy to suit my needs?
During your initial session, your therapist will get the opportunity to understand your difficulties and will work collaboratively with you to decide the type of therapy that would be most suited to your needs.
How long will I have to wait to see someone for my first appointment?
One of the benefits of online therapy is that you will not have to wait for your first appointment. You can see a therapist immediately if one is available at the time of booking. Even if there is no availability at the time of booking, the longest you may have to wait is 24 hours.
What will happen during my initial session, I'm a bit anxious about it?
The initial session usually lasts for 50 minutes. It is during this session that your therapist will ask questions about the difficulties you are experiencing and will attempt to come up with a working formulation that will guide the direction of future therapy sessions. It also provides the opportunity for the establishment of a therapeutic relationship and marks the beginning of building a working rapport.
How do I prepare for my initial session?
It will be worth making a note in order of priority of all the difficulties you are experiencing and how these difficulties are affecting your life. Write down the areas of your life you would like to improve and your expectations from therapy. This will ensure the initial session is as productive as possible.
How long should I expect to continue psychotherapy/counselling?
The number of therapy sessions required would depend on individual client needs. Each client should work collaboratively with their chosen therapist to decide on the number of sessions that would be appropriate and effective. Therapists may suggest a short-term approach of 5-6 sessions, while other clients may require longer term psychotherapy sessions.
How long does each psychotherapy/counselling session last?
The duration of a psychotherapy/counselling session is usually fifty minutes. This is for both the initial assessment and follow up sessions. There is the option to book a twenty-five-minute session for brief unstructured support or to determine if a therapeutic relationship can be established with a therapist.
How regularly will I see my counsellor or psychotherapist?
Psychotherapy and counselling sessions usually take place on a weekly basis. However, this may differ based on an individual’s needs. Clients should work collaboratively with their therapists to determine what will work best for them.
Is what I say confidential and will anything be put on my medical records?
All the information you disclose to your therapist is confidential and your therapist is bound by strict regulatory principles and ethics and as such cannot disclose your information without your permission. If your health and safety may be of concern, then your therapist may decide to liaise with the relevant authorities. Your therapist may also decide to liaise with the relevant authorities if the health and safety of members of the public is deemed to be in jeopardy.
Can a counsellor/psychotherapist prescribe medication if I need it?
Counsellors and psychotherapists are not able to prescribe medications. If your therapist believes you require specialist input, they will inform you of this. You may need to visit your General Practitioner if this is the case.
What hours are psychotherapists available
You can view the availability of all e-therapy counsellors and psychotherapists by visiting their respective profile pages. They are generally available from 8.00am until 9.00pm.
Will my psychotherapist/counsellor be available to me in a crisis?
Online therapy is not appropriate if:
- You have thoughts of hurting yourself or others
- You are a minor or under 18 years of age
- You are in an urgent crisis or an emergency
- You are currently experiencing an acute episode in the context of a severe and enduring mental health diagnosis
Please be aware that online therapy is not suitable for crisis or emergency situations. Visit your nearest emergency department in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can get in contact with your general practitioner or crisis team if this applies to you.
I feel I can express myself better in another language. Do you offer sessions in any other languages?
One of the benefits of online therapy is that you can choose the best therapist for your needs based on factors that are important to you. You can choose a therapist based on language and we have therapists offering therapy in English, French, Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese and German.
What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a psychiatrist?
A psychotherapist is a professional trained in the art of psychotherapeutic techniques aimed at altering or changing dysfunctional thinking and behavioural patterns to achieve a more desirable state of being. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor that specialises in the diagnoses, management and treatment of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, psychosis by utilising pharmacological means such as medication to achieve an improved outcome for patients.
What training, qualifications and experience should counsellors and psychotherapists have?
Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the United Kingdom have undertaken at least two years of post-graduate study to obtain a post graduate diploma in counselling and psychotherapy. Some of them may also have a master’s degree in addition to this. Before they can be registered as members of the BACP, they must have undertaken a specified amount of supervised sessions and must meet the academic and competence level required to practice independently.
How can I be assured of a practitioners' professionalism?
All our therapists are qualified and licensed professionals with vast experience in the fields of behavioural health. They are all members of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They adhere to strict ethical and professional guidelines. Their backgrounds and qualifications have been checked and verified by e-therapy and they have all been carefully selected based on level of experience, qualifications and expertise in dealing with a vast range of emotional and psychological difficulties.
Can I use my health insurance policy to fund my sessions?
Some insurance providers cover online therapy. Please check with your provider to verify that they will cover the cost of your therapy sessions on e-therapy.uk.
If you consider using your health insurance, please check your coverage carefully by asking the following questions:
- Do I have mental health or complementary medicine insurance benefits?
- What is my deductible and has it been met?
- How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
- What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
- Is approval required from my primary care physician or general practitioner?
Haven’t answered your question in our therapy FAQs?
We would be delighted to discuss your requirements with you and to answer any concerns or queries you may have. Please
contact us.