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QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY

Calm Sea
  • How is psychotherapy different to counselling?
    Psychotherapy and counselling are two types of talking therapies but differ in their approach. Psychotherapy is a more in-depth and long-term process that aims to help individuals identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviours and can help alleviate symptoms of mental health conditions. Conversely, counselling is a shorter-term process that focuses on specific issues, where a trained therapist listens to you and enables you to find ways to cope with emotional challenges or complicated feelings in a safe and confidential environment. Both psychotherapy and counselling fall under the umbrella term of "talking therapies" and can take place one-on-one or in group settings.
  • How will our sessions go?
    As an integrative therapist, I have received (and continue receiving) training in Existential Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as my main approaches. I'm also influenced by the person-centred approach espoused by Carl Rogers. This therapy is based on the belief that every human being strives for and can fulfil their potential. Rogers believed effective treatment requires a non-directive and empathetic approach that empowers and motivates the client in the therapeutic process. In our sessions, we'll talk about the issues you wish to work on and tailor the sessions to your preference (e.g., some people prefer structured guidance, while others like more freedom to explore themselves and see what themes emerge that might be helpful to work on).
  • Is online therapy effective ?
    According to multiple studies, online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy for certain issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Some research suggests that online therapy may make mental health services more accessible for patients who might otherwise delay or drop out of treatment. With the convenience of online therapy, many new tools and technologies have been developed to make it easier to access therapy services. If you're comfortable using the internet and looking for help, online therapy could be a convenient and effective option for you.
  • How many sessions do I need?
    It depends on your situation, needs, and what you want from psychotherapy. Determining the number of sessions beforehand is a bit like deciding on the length of a bridge without knowing the distance between two points. I'd recommend reading this article by Jonathan Shedler, in which he writes about the common claim that meaningful psychotherapy can be achieved in 8-12 sessions. Again, it depends on your situation. Brief therapy (8-12 sessions) might be sufficient if you have a moderate issue or clear goals on which you need some guidance. Dr. Aaron Beck (founder of CBT) cautioned against setting a predetermined number of sessions in a letter (2014) to the then Minister of Health for Australia, adding, "therapy needs to be individualised for the specific patient."
  • What's Existential Therapy?
    Existential Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on how individuals position themselves in the world and view themselves and others around them. It explores questions of meaning and purpose, such as our relationship with mortality, spirituality, and finding meaning in life. This therapy seeks to help people overcome existential crises by discovering new meaning, considering what is important to them, and how to live more authentically. It emphasises self-awareness, decision-making, and personal responsibility. An in-depth answer to this question can be read here.
  • Another therapist said they can cure my problem in one or two sessions - is that true?
    No, it's not. If any mental health practitioner (or anyone else) claims they can "cure" your problem at all, let alone in one or two sessions, please think twice before using their services. No legitimate, ethical mental health practitioner would ever make such guarantees. Any change comes as a result of a collaboration between the therapist and their client, and worthwhile change takes time, trust and commitment. Clients can feel uplifted and more confident after a single session, but that doesn't mean any progress has been made. If anyone offers a "guaranteed" quick fix, keep in mind: if it sounds too good to be true, that's because it is.
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