FAQs

1.What is psychotherapy?

Psychotherapy facilitates self-connection. During therapy, we delve into the issues and struggles we encounter, seeking to understand them and find ways to manage them effectively. A crucial aspect of this process is creating a safe, supportive therapeutic environment where the relationship is grounded in trust and understanding. For additional information about my therapeutic approach, please refer to the ‘My therapeutic approach’ section.

 

2.Who is psychotherapy for?

Psychotherapy is for individuals looking for professional support to address and manage any challenges or issues they may be facing.

 

3.How do I know if I need psychotherapy?
A useful indication that psychotherapy may be helpful is when your life feels overwhelmed by distressing emotions, such as anxiety, sadness, anger, or fear—emotions that prevent you from living the life you want to live.

Another sign that psychotherapy might be beneficial is when you notice a decline in your ability to function in daily life. For instance, you may be avoiding activities out of fear, struggling to make important life decisions, or engaging in dysfunctional behaviors.

You may also find yourself grappling with challenging thoughts about upcoming situations (such as personal performance or decisions) or broader existential concerns (like loneliness or fear of abandonment). Additionally, you may feel stuck in past experiences, finding it difficult to move forward.

Lastly, if you feel an emotional void, numbness, or confusion that you wish to understand and explore, or if you want to reconnect with yourself, discover what you truly need, and gain clarity on the kind of life you want to live, psychotherapy can be a helpful step.

 

4.What happens during the first session?
In our first session:

• We will discuss the concerns that brought you to therapy and explore the issues troubling you.
• I will gather information about various areas of your life to better understand you and your challenges.
• Together, we will identify your needs and set clear goals for our work together.
• I will explain how we will work together and outline the therapeutic framework (for more details, please refer to question 5).
• You will also have the chance to ask any questions about our collaboration and the process.

 

5.What do I need to know about the treatment process and the therapeutic context?

• Each session is 50 minutes long, and we typically meet once a week.
• The duration of therapy can vary depending on the nature of the challenges you’re facing, how we choose to approach them, and your goals and preferences. Goal setting is a flexible and evolving process— for instance, you may start therapy to manage anxiety and later feel ready to explore other areas of your life, such as your relationships.
• During our first session, we’ll also discuss the guidelines for appointment cancellations and the importance of your commitment to the therapeutic process.
• Everything we discuss is confidential and in line with professional ethical standards. Your privacy is essential to me, and confidentiality will only be broken under specific circumstances, which you’ll be fully informed of from the start (as outlined in Article 4 of the Psychologists’ Code of Conduct).
• Starting therapy is most effective when your motivation and desire for change drive it. Research shows this personal commitment is key to making therapy a successful and meaningful experience.

 

6.Can I have my sessions online?

Yes, sessions can be conducted entirely or at any point during our therapy online. For more information about the therapeutic framework for online therapy, please refer to the relevant section.

 

7.What are the benefits of psychotherapy?
Some of the key benefits of therapy include:

• Gaining a deeper and more meaningful understanding of ourselves and how we function.
• Developing new skills related to our thinking, behavior, and emotional regulation and discovering and enhancing our existing skills.
• Supporting our personal growth by uncovering and fulfilling our deepest desires.
• Building a healthier and more compassionate relationship with ourselves.
• Improving our connections with the important people in our lives and fostering meaningful, quality relationships.