Frequently Asked Questions
Some common questions about therapy and how I work. If your question has still not been answered, please contact me.
How Do I Know If I Need Counselling?
The simple answer: when the bad feelings you feel won’t go away, recur too frequently, or when they start dictating how you live your life – it’s often a reliable indicator that psychotherapy might be needed. People in these instances often report feeling “stuck”, “helpless”, “listless”, “irritable” or “numb”.
Secondly, if there’s an acute onset of negative feeling, as is often the case, say, following a traumatic experience, therapy becomes a vital component in a person’s healing, recovery and return to well-being. People in these situations commonly report feeling “withdrawn”, “terrified”, “confused”, “not like their usual selves” and “hopeless”.
Areas of Clinical Interest and Expertise
- Personality Disorders
- Emotional regulation difficulties – mood instability, anger outbursts, self-harming behaviours (e.g., cutting, burning, suicidal behaviours)
- Acute Trauma/traumatic events
Problems of substance use/abuse - Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety/Stress Disorders, Panic
- Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Major Depressive Disorder (commonly referred to as “Depression”)
- Bereavement/grief and loss
Adjustment Disorders - Relationship difficulties – issues surrounding sex, money, and/or communication difficulties
- Bipolar Disorder
- Psychotic Disorders
- Men’s issues – pornography addiction, role confusion, relationship expectations and conflicts related to living out a masculine identity, impotence
- Issues concerning one’s sexuality – gender identity confusion, orientation confusion, body image issues, conflict related to sexual identity, intimacy problems, promiscuity and sexual trauma
- Couples Therapy
How Long Should Therapy Take?
I have intended to take care here to elaborate on the innate complexity of our human being, and, mutatis mutandis, of the therapy process itself. Any change in our mental nature necessarily lends itself, therefore, to a process equal in measure of respect and dignity of the emotional problem(s) at hand. The slow, predictable (i.e., having the session at the same time each week), almost rhythmical nature of a therapeutic process thus lends itself to longer-term work, of which I am more familiar and am further inclined to endorse (the fable of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare’ aptly comes to mind here).
That said, not everyone is interested in, or has the proclivity for, such work, or one might already have well-defined goals and objectives that they wish to explore in a more discrete timeframe. These instances, too, lend themselves to a process of therapeutic action, and can be assessed and discussed at the outset of the therapeutic process with me.
Is Therapy Confidential?
Yes, absolutely! Confidentiality in therapy is one of the cornerstones of effective therapeutic practice. What’s discussed in therapy can only be disclosed to someone else with your written consent. However, there are times when I am obligated by law to break confidentiality, but this will always be discussed with you first. These circumstances include:
* When the client presents as an imminent danger to themselves, others or property.
* When the client reports that their life is under imminent significant (i.e., lethal) threat by
another.
* When a court orders the disclosure of therapeutic records.
Is Online Counseling Right For Me?
Although it is true that there are many advantages to online therapy (nowadays coined ‘E-therapy’) – it’s time-efficient and flexible, convenient, and takes place in a place of your choosing – it’s certainly not ‘right’ for everyone. Some people just feel safer in the presence of their therapist. Online counselling generally works best for those with mild to moderate symptoms (i.e., people not in crisis), are comfortable using technology, and have a quiet, private place to have their sessions.
How Much Do I Charge?
I charge a standard rate of 60 Euros/session for individuals and 70 Euros/session for couples therapy.
Who Do I Work With?
I work with adults, older adolescents (16+), couples and families. I am also trained in and proficient at conducting group therapy in in- and out-patient settings.
I am able to meet in-person or online via Zoom. Regrettably, my practice is (for now) limited to English-speaking patients only.
How Long Does a Therapy Session Typically Last?
Sessions usually last around 50 minutes. The frequency and duration of sessions depend on individual needs and therapeutic goals.
