Talking Therapy in Clapham & Shoreditch
What is Talking Therapy?
Talking therapy, also known as psychotherapy, counselling or therapy, is a form of treatment that involves working with a trained therapist in order to explore and address emotional, behavioural, and psychological issues.
Therapy can be helpful for individuals dealing with a wide range of challenges, including, but not limited to mental health problems associated with relationships, life transitions, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety or trauma. The purpose of a talking therapy is to identify the issues that cause a distress, and to help the client find their own answers and an understanding through engaging in the experience of a non-judgmental and empathic relationship with the therapist.
Benefits of Therapy
There are many benefits to participating in therapy. Some common benefits include but are not limited to:
â—ˆ Improved mental health and well-being
â—ˆ Increased self-awareness and understanding of oneself
â—ˆ Enhanced coping skills and ability to manage stress and emotions
â—ˆ Improved relationships and communication with others
â—ˆ Greater self-acceptance and self-esteem
â—ˆ Increased insight and understanding of patterns of behaviours and thoughts
Different Types of Therapy
There are many different types of therapy, each with its own unique approach and focus. Some common types of therapy include:
â—ˆ Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)
â—ˆ Psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapy
â—ˆ Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
â—ˆ Humanistic therapy (such as person-centered therapy)
The Therapeutic Process
The therapeutic process typically involves several stages:
â—ˆ During the initial sessions, you can expect to be asked about your concerns and goals for therapy. This will help me to understand your unique situation and develop a treatment plan.
â—ˆ Exploration: In subsequent sessions, we will work together to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in more depth. This may involve discussing past experiences and their impact on your present life, examining patterns of behaviours and thoughts, and identifying areas for change.
â—ˆ Solving: Once we have identified your goals and areas for change, we will work together to develop a strategy and an action plan to help you reach your goals. For the clients that prefer working with goals, this may involve setting them, trying out new behaviours, or simply just exploring and understanding the past so you can accept your present and move on. Other times, we may just sit in silence.
â—ˆ Evaluation and review: As you progress through therapy, we will periodically review and evaluate how you feel and whether you’re getting what you need from therapy. This may involve discussing your experiences and challenges, assessing your progress towards your goals, and making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. The therapy process is ongoing and dynamic, and it is important to regularly assess and reassess your needs and goals as they evolve over time.
Common Goals of Therapy
Some common goals of therapy include:
â—ˆ Improving mental health and well-being
â—ˆ Overcoming mental health disorders or symptoms
â—ˆ Improving relationships with others
â—ˆ Managing stress and emotions more effectively
â—ˆ Increasing self-awareness and understanding of oneself
â—ˆ Developing new coping skills and strategies
â—ˆ Enhancing communication and problem-solving skills
â—ˆ Improving self-esteem and self-acceptance
â—ˆ Finding meaning and purpose in life
Common Concerns and Challenges in Therapy
It is common for individuals to have concerns or fears about starting therapy. Some common fears or misconceptions include:
â—ˆ Being judged or misunderstood
â—ˆ Being "fixed" or told what to do
â—ˆ Not knowing what to talk about
â—ˆ Being vulnerable or exposing personal information
â—ˆ Feeling worse before feeling better
â—ˆ Therapy taking too long or not being effective
Therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgement or criticism.
Overcoming Resistance to Therapy
It is normal to have reservations about starting therapy, and it is common for individuals to experience resistance to therapy during the process. Some common reasons for resistance include:
â—ˆ Fear of change or the unknown
â—ˆ Concerns about being vulnerable or exposing personal information
â—ˆ Belief that therapy won't be helpful
â—ˆ Feeling you can handle your problems on your own
The resistance to therapy is not always obvious, as it may result from an unconscious tendency. If you are experiencing resistance to therapy, it may help to talk to me about your concerns and explore the underlying reasons for your resistance. I will try to help you understand your resistance and develop strategies to overcome it.
Contact me or request a free initial consultation
An initial 15-minute telephone consultation is offered free of charge to provide the opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and establish whether you would like to book an appointment. If you think that I am the counsellor you would like to work with, we will arrange the first session.