What is Psychotherapy & Counselling?

If you’ve found your way to this section, you might be curious about what therapy involves and how it can help you. Below, I’ve outlined key aspects of the therapeutic relationship and what you can expect when working with me. While much of this is widely understood in the field of psychotherapy and counselling, it also reflects my personal approach and the areas I believe are essential for positive outcomes.

The Therapeutic Relationship

The relationship between client and therapist is at the heart of effective therapy. If a genuine connection doesn’t form, it can be challenging to make progress. In fact, one of the most common reasons clients leave therapy early is due to a breakdown in this relationship. Building a strong bond requires ongoing reflection, open communication, and honesty from both parties. It’s a space where we work together, exploring your experiences with mutual respect and understanding.

Trust & Safety

Trust is the foundation of a successful therapeutic relationship, but it isn’t established overnight. It’s built gradually, as clients feel safe to share the vulnerable parts of their lives. I strive to create a non-judgmental environment where you can openly express all aspects of who you are. My focus is on fostering a safe, supportive space that aligns with your individual needs and helps you feel secure in exploring your inner world.

The Role of Honesty

Therapy often involves a process of deepening honesty — both with yourself and with your therapist. This kind of honesty goes beyond intellectual understanding; it’s about experiencing your truth as a felt sense, beyond words. It means letting down psychological defences and sharing your immediate inner experience. By embracing this openness, you may uncover new insights and ways of being that feel more authentic.

What Can I Talk About?

In therapy, the conversation is guided by whatever feels most pressing or important to you in the moment. If you’ve come to therapy with specific concerns, we will naturally explore those, but there’s also room for whatever arises spontaneously. Life is a complex blend of memories, experiences, relationships, feelings, dreams, and thoughts. Therapy is a space to bring all these elements together, reflecting on them and finding meaning in your story.

Change & Outcome

Many clients wonder: “What is change?”, “When will I feel better?”, or “How will I notice it?” The answers to these questions are deeply personal and vary from person to person. Change can manifest in different ways — through a sudden realization or a gradual shift in understanding. It might be an increase in self-esteem, a new perspective, or a sense of relief. While change can sometimes happen suddenly, it often unfolds over time as you engage with the process. A positive outcome largely depends on your willingness and openness to explore and embrace new ways of being.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice and an essential part of building trust. For you to feel comfortable sharing personal and private information, you need assurance that your words will remain confidential. I take your privacy very seriously. There are circumstances where I have a legal duty to disclose information these exceptions include current risks of serious harm to yourself or others, child protection issues, legal obligations (e.g., terrorism, drug trafficking), or court orders. I hope this overview gives you a better sense of what psychotherapy and counselling involve, and how I approach our work together. If you have more questions or feel ready to begin, please don’t hesitate to reach out.