Question 1

How long is a therapy session?

Accepted Answer

A therapy session lasts for 50 minutes and usually takes place weekly, on the same day and at the same time.  This allows us to create a consistent, stable therapeutic relationship.

Question 2

How many therapy sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

This differs from person to person and depends on the nature of what you are bringing to therapy.  I offer short-term and longer-term counselling, depending on your individual needs and set of circumstances.  Often, the longer the issue has been ongoing, the longer the time is needed to work through it.
 
Initially, I would recommend that we agree to work together for 8 sessions, after which we can review how you feel. I believe it is important to regularly review our work together to get an insight of how your needs are evolving through our work together and,  if you are happy to continue on a longer-term basis, we will regularly review our work together.
 
When working on an 'open-ended basis', I ask for a minimum of two weeks' notice to finish therapy so that we can work towards a healthy, managed ending.

Question 3

What will happen at the first session?

Accepted Answer

The first session is the beginning of our working relationship.  During this session, we will talk about your situation, what you are seeking from therapy and your background, as well as how we could work together towards your personal goals, such as developing coping strategies or having support for a specific difficulty in your life, or goals that require longer-term work and open-ended therapy, such as on-going life situation, childhood trauma or multiple stressors in your life,  I’m aware that starting therapy can feel daunting and I'd like to assure you that you will not be pressured into sharing anything that you are not comfortable with.  It is an opportunity for you to get a sense of me as your therapist and to ask any question you might have.

Question 4

Are our sessions confidential?

Accepted Answer

I’d like to assure you that our sessions are a confidential, safe, respectful and non-judgemental space to explore the problems you are currently experiencing.  There are a few exceptions where I am legally bound to share information.  These relate to if you are at risk of serious harm to yourself or another person, or where drug trafficking, money laundering or acts of terrorism are disclosed and further details of these exceptions are explained in more detail in the ‘Welcome Pack’.  If there was any concern to break confidentiality, I would discuss this with you first.

Question 5

Do I need special equipment if I choose to have online therapy?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all.  In terms of technology, I use a platform called Zoom (free for you to use), which offers excellent levels of security and efficiency.  To use this, you will need a stable broadband connection.  If you are unfamiliar with Zoom. I will provide guidance and instructions on how to use it prior to us working together, to help you become familiar with it and this will all be provided within my ‘Welcome Pack’ before our initial session.

Question 6

How can I get in touch with you between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Contact between sessions (unless otherwise agreed) is for administrative purposes only.  If you need to contact me, please email me at Contact@lisa.crafter.com unless it is urgent, in which case please call me: 07483296123.  If I'm unable to take your call at the time, leave a message on my 'phone  and I will endeavour to reply to you within 24 hours (excluding Sundays). I will not access my voicemails or messages on Sundays and holiday periods (which you will be notified of in advance).
I do not operate an emergency therapy service and if you need emergency support, please go to your local A&E, contact your GP or call 999.  A helpful resource may be the Samaritans on 116 123.

Question 7

What happens regarding holidays?

Accepted Answer

Regular ongoing attendance of sessions is important in order for therapy to be effective. If you are planning a holiday, I would respectively ask you to give me as much notice as possible and at least two weeks' notice and similarly I will endeavour to do the same.
If possible, it is helpful not to take a holiday during our initial six sessions in order for therapy to be effective.
My practice is closed for a week over Christmas and a week over the Easter period.

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