Psychotherapy is the process of treating various psychological symptoms and difficulties. It involves developing a therapeutic relationship and an open environment for communication in order to cope with presenting problems.

During this process of self-discovery, thoughts, feelings and behaviors are recognized and explored. Psychotherapy can assist in achieving various goals, including developing a better understanding of oneself, learning skills and tools for improving ones self-esteem and relationships, developing insight and awareness, utilizing adaptive coping skills, communication skills and problem solving skills.

Psychotherapy may at times be cognitively and emotionally challenging. This therapeutic process requires courage, commitment and motivation and often results in progress and self-growth.

People who are contemplating receiving psychotherapy experience some ambivalence about beginning the process. Seeking out therapy is a private and individual choice. There are a range of reasons why people go to therapy. It is not unusual to feel unhappy or depressed either from time to time or for a sustained period. Unexpected life events in the here and now can throw our lives into disarray or life events from the past can exert a negative influence on our health and wellbeing in the present. These unwanted thoughts, feelings and circumstances can significantly impact our ability to cope with the day to day and our mental health can be tested to the extreme; feelings of isolation, depression, hopelessness and anxiety can all be experienced.

Talking to a professional, in a safe, non judgemental environment can significantly ease emotional and psychological distress.

Speaking with a professional is not like speaking with family and friends who may often assume to know what is ‘right’ for someone. Therapists have undergone educational and clinical training and are experienced in gently accompanying clients to a place of greater self awareness and understanding. This in turn can lead to a greater sense of well-being.

Working with a therapist can help ignite personal exploration, self-awareness, insight, support, and can assist in developing adaptive strategies and skills for coping with various life challenges. Psychotherapy provides an empathic and non-judgmental environment in which one may come to know and understand themselves better.

Therapy is right for anyone who is open and willing to improve their overall quality of life by enhancing their personal development and overall relationships. Therapy allows individuals to be empowered in order to take control of their lives, effectively cope with challenges, and make positive changes. This process may at times be emotionally challenging, however ultimately the goal of therapy is to develop effective coping skills, make healthy choices, achieve personal growth and well-being, reach individual goals and develop satisfying relationships.

The number of therapy sessions varies for each client depending upon their reasons for seeking therapy, their needs and their presenting problem. Some problems and challenges can be resolved within a few sessions whereas others can take longer.

Sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis and are 60 minutes in length. Consistency in treatment is very important in allowing the client to make progress towards achieving their goals and enhancing their growth. The frequency of therapy sessions may vary based on the individual clients specific needs.

Family psychotherapy – or to give it its full title, Family and Systemic Psychotherapy – helps people in a close relationship help each other.

It enables family members, couples and others who care about each other to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, to understand each other’s experiences and views, appreciate each other’s needs, build on strengths and make useful changes in their relationships and their lives. Individuals can find Family Therapy helpful, as an opportunity to reflect on important relationships and find ways forward.

Research shows Family Therapy is useful for children, young people and adults experiencing a very wide range of difficulties and experiences. 

Family Therapy aims to be:

• Inclusive and considerate of the needs of each member of the family and/or other key relationships (systems) in people’s lives

• Recognise and build on peoples’ strengths and relational resources

• Work in partnership ‘with’ families and others, not ‘on’ them

• Sensitive to diverse family forms and relationships, beliefs and cultures

• Enable people to talk, together or individually, often about difficult or distressing issues, in ways that respect their experiences, invite engagement and support recovery.

Wherever possible, decisions about the number of sessions and the intervals between appointments are made collaboratively between the therapist and family. The number of appointments offer will depend on the service setting and family members’ needs. Most sessions last between 60 minutes and one and a half hours.

No. Therapist may see children and adults individually and/or in family member groups. They may work with couples, or with other groups and communities.

Research shows Family psychotherapy is useful for children, young people and adults experiencing a wide range of difficulties and circumstances, as well as relationship problems. These include:

• Family communication problems

• Child and adolescent behaviour difficulties

• Mental health problems

• Couple relationship difficulties

• Illness and disability in the family

• Separation, divorce and step-family life

• Anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders

• Fostering and adoption

• Domestic violence

• Self-harm

• The effects of trauma

• Difficulties related to ageing

The client may request a monthly billing statement and often clients submit their claims to their insurance companies independently – obtaining full or partial reimbursement. Accepted forms of payment include cash and check.