Taking the first step

Deciding to begin therapy can feel like quite a big step, particularly if you've never experienced it before.

You may be unsure about what to expect, what you should talk about, or even whether therapy is the right thing for you.

I understand that, which is why I like to begin with a conversation. There's no expectation that you should have everything worked out before getting in touch.

GETTING IN TOUCH

We can begin with a conversation.

I offer a free, no-obligation introductory telephone call, usually lasting around ten minutes.

This gives us an opportunity to talk briefly about what's brought you to therapy, what you might be looking for and whether I may be able to help.

It's also an opportunity for you to ask me any questions you may have about psychotherapy, how I work or what happens next.

You don't need to prepare anything in advance, and there's no obligation to arrange an appointment afterwards.

The important thing is that we both feel comfortable about taking the next step.

Arrange an Introductory Call

GETTING TO KNOW EACHOTHER

An opportunity to explore things in more detail.

If we decide to take things further, the next step is an initial consultation, which can last up to 90 minutes.

This gives us more time to talk about what's been happening in your life, the difficulties you may be experiencing and some of the experiences and relationships that have shaped you.

I may ask questions about your background, your family, your relationships and your experiences growing up.

Some of these things may seem unrelated to whatever has brought you to therapy, but they can help us begin to develop a fuller understanding of your circumstances.

It's also an opportunity for you to get a better sense of how I work and whether you feel comfortable talking with me.

At the end of the consultation, we can discuss whether working together feels appropriate and what that might look like.

WORKING TOGETHER

Finding a way forward, together.

If we agree to continue, we'll arrange regular appointments, usually once a week, although in some circumstances we may agree to meet twice weekly.

Sessions provide a consistent, confidential space where you can talk about whatever is on your mind.

Some weeks you may arrive with something particular you want to explore. At other times, you may not be sure where to begin.

That's absolutely fine.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy isn't about following a set programme or working through a list of exercises.

Instead, we'll explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences together, paying attention to connections and patterns that may become apparent over time.

The work will be individual to you, and we'll develop our understanding together as the therapeutic relationship progresses.

OPEN-TIMED & TIME-LIMITED THERAPY

There isn't one approach that suits everyone.

The length of time someone spends in therapy can vary considerably.

Some people come with a particular difficulty they would like to explore over a relatively short period. Others may want to look more deeply at experiences or patterns that have developed over many years.

I offer both open-ended and time-limited psychotherapy.

Open-ended psychotherapy

Open-ended therapy doesn't have a predetermined finishing date.

It allows us to work together over a longer period, exploring your experiences, relationships and feelings in greater depth.

We'll have opportunities to review our work and consider how things are progressing.

Time-limited psychotherapy

Time-limited psychotherapy usually involves around twelve sessions.

This may be appropriate when there's a particular difficulty or area of concern you'd like us to concentrate on.

We can discuss both approaches during the initial consultation and agree what seems most appropriate for you.

IN PERSON, ONLINE OR BY TELEPHONE

Somewhere you feel comfortable talking.

I offer psychotherapy from consulting rooms in two locations, as well as remotely.

Marylebone, London

My London consulting room is situated in Marylebone, within the Harley Street district.

[Full address, accessibility information and directions to be added.]

Esher, Surrey

My London consulting room is situated in Marylebone, within the Harley Street district.

[Full address, accessibility information and directions to be added.]

Online and telephone therapy

For those who prefer to work remotely, I also offer online and telephone appointments.

This may be more convenient if you live further away, have difficulty travelling or simply feel more comfortable attending sessions from your own surroundings.

Whichever arrangement we agree, the aim is to provide a private, confidential and consistent setting for our work together.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Fees and arrangements.

I believe it's important that practical arrangements are clear before we begin working together.

The initial introductory telephone call, lasting approximately ten minutes, is free of charge.

Initial Consultation

Up to 90 minutes.

Fee: [Stephen to confirm]

Ongoing psychotherapy sessions

Regular weekly appointments.

Session duration: [Stephen to confirm]

Fee per session: [Stephen to confirm]

Payments and cancellations

[Stephen to provide preferred payment methods, cancellation notice period, arrangements for missed sessions and any other relevant terms, or if will find a booking system that covers some of this.]

We can discuss these arrangements during our initial conversation or consultation, so you know what to expect before committing to ongoing therapy.

How I Can Help

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

Using your health insurance.

I am recognised by a number of private health insurance providers, including:

Aviva │ AXA Health │ Cigna │ Health Assured

Nuffield Health │ Vitality │ WPA

If you intend to use private health insurance to cover the cost of your therapy, I would recommend contacting your provider beforehand to check your individual policy, any authorisation requirements and the number of sessions covered.

Please let me know when getting in touch if you intend to use insurance, so we can discuss the arrangements.

A FEW THINGS YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING

Questions about getting started.

Not at all. Sometimes people know precisely what has brought them to therapy, while others simply have a sense that something isn't right.

Part of our work together can be trying to understand those feelings and experiences.

That's absolutely fine. I appreciate that the prospect of speaking to someone you don't know about personal matters can feel unfamiliar or intimidating.

We can talk about what to expect during our introductory call, and there's no expectation that you should know how therapy works before we begin.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy isn't primarily about giving advice or telling someone how to live their life.

I see our work as a collaborative process in which we explore your experiences and develop a greater understanding of them together.

Confidentiality is an important part of the therapeutic relationship, and I work in accordance with the ethical standards of the UKCP.

There are some circumstances in which confidentiality may have limits, and I will explain these as part of our initial arrangements.

I offer both face-to-face and remote appointments. We can discuss what would be most suitable for you, taking into account your circumstances and appointment availability.

That's one of the reasons I offer an introductory call and an initial consultation.

The relationship between therapist and client is important, and I believe we should both feel that working together is appropriate.

LET'S BEGIN

Perhaps we could start with a conversation.

If you're considering psychotherapy, or would simply like to ask a few questions before deciding, please do get in touch.

I offer a free, no-obligation introductory telephone call of around ten minutes, where we can talk a little about what has brought you here and whether I might be able to help.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Arrange a Free Introductory Call

Or email stephen@thepsychotherapistlondon.com

Psychotherapy

Neurodiversity-Focused Therapy

About Me