Every individual is unique. As such, clients are not treated with a “one size fits all” approach. However, there are typically three phases in therapy:
PHASE 1: INTAKE PHASE
In order to provide a professional service, it is essential for me to carry out a thorough intake process. During this stage, I will ask you a series of questions about your symptoms, personal history, relationships, and other relevant aspects of your life. Some of these questions may be quite personal, but I will ensure that I only ask about matters that are directly pertinent.
Psychological testing may be required, which could involve additional sessions if necessary. In some cases, it may also be beneficial to speak with others who know you to gain further insights. Rest assured, this will only be done with your consent. The intake process typically spans 1 to 2 sessions, partially overlapping with the therapeutic phase. These initial sessions are vital as they establish the foundation for building an agreed-upon and appropriate treatment plan while forming a deeper understanding of you. Each session generally lasts 50 minutes unless otherwise arranged. There may be occasions where sessions need to be recorded, but this will always be done with your permission—whether in the evaluation or therapeutic phases.
PHASE 2: THERAPEUTIC PHASE
Within the therapeutic phase, we will continue the process of building a trusting, therapeutic relationship. Together, we will explore difficulties, concerns, challenges, and issues that might be troubling you. For some people, just being able to talk freely about a problem will bring immediate relief. However, long-lasting relief may require conscious effort to find alternative ways of thinking, behaving, and managing your feelings. As your therapist, I will guide you through this process, supporting you along the way. Where necessary, your original treatment goals will be reformulated or expanded.
It is important to note that therapy usually brings improved functioning and personal growth in the long term. In the short term, however, it may be an unsettling experience, as it is usually an emotional experience. Some temporary emotional distress is possible. This may have a negative influence on your work as well as your social and personal functioning for a period.
Successful therapy may sometimes have negative consequences in the long run. The purpose of therapy is to bring about change. As a result, clients sometimes feel that they should make changes in their circumstances as well, including their relationships with others. Such changes are often not welcomed by those affected and this may lead to interpersonal tension.
The success of therapy is influenced by several factors. One of the most important factors is the degree to which clients assume full responsibility to bring about this change. As such, no therapist can give a guarantee that therapy will be successful.
The issue of confidentiality is an important consideration during therapy. It is important to note the following:
- I will treat all the private information I collect about you as highly confidential. I will not, subject to what is noted above, disclose any information about you without your consent.
- In certain exceptional situations, however, legal or professional rules may force me to disclose information about you. This will include:
- Emergency situations – In this regard I want you to know that should a situation develop where I believe that there is a real risk that you may harm yourself, another person, or myself, I will be compelled to take the necessary steps to prevent such harm, even if this may entail my breaching my promise to you to keep information confidential.
- Statutory Duty – A provision in an Act may oblige me to disclose confidential information about you.
- Court Orders – A court may order me to disclose private information. In terms of my professional rules I must, however, endeavour to do everything possible to prevent the disclosure of your private information.
- Your case may be discussed with a senior supervising psychologist, but your personal details WILL be withheld.
- Subject to what is stated about confidentiality, I will not issue correspondence regarding you without: (a) Your consent, and (b) Until I had given you an opportunity to read the relevant documentation and discuss it with me.
PHASE 3: TERMINATION
The duration of therapy depends on several factors: the type of problem or disorder, the client’s characteristics and history, progress towards achieving the client’s treatment goals, the client’s life circumstances outside therapy etc. Nevertheless, the duration of therapy is agreed upon upfront and extended as agreed upon.
Either you, or myself, can terminate therapy at any stage. Ideally, therapy will be terminated once a client has achieved their treatment goals. But therapy may also be terminated for a variety of reasons. Nevertheless, I will only terminate therapy in consultation with you and in a professionally accountable way.
FEES
I accept both cash and insurance payments. Cash fees must be paid in advance, prior to the start of each session. Insurance payments are settled following each session. A copy of my fee structure is available upon request.
The following should be noted:
A standard therapy session typically lasts 50 minutes, unless agreed otherwise in advance. If a scheduled consultation exceeds the allocated time, an additional charge will apply for every 10 minutes or part thereof. Please be aware that this may not be covered by your insurance provider. As I operate on an appointment basis, extending the time allocated for a session is rare and only possible in exceptional circumstances unless pre-arranged. The fee for a formal psychological assessment, along with the subsequent report, varies and will be discussed upon request. Assessment outcomes are reviewed during a scheduled feedback session.
Other charges may also apply:
- Psychological services provided at a hospital/clinic or after hours;
- Time spent with relevant 3rd parties (interviews with parents, significant others, teachers, lawyers, doctors, psychiatrist etc.); and
- Telephonic consultations as required (to be charged for on a pro-rata basis).
If necessary, these charges will be discussed in advance. If you cannot attend an appointment, you must give at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel. If you fail to do so, you will be responsible for paying the full session fee, which must be settled either prior to or at your next appointment. Please note that insurance providers may not cover the cost of missed appointments. If you arrive late to a session without prior agreement, the session will be shortened accordingly but charged at the full rate. If I am forced to hand an outstanding account to a sollicitor for collection the person responsible for the payment thereof will be liable to pay the legal costs.
No relaxation or amendment of these terms and conditions will be binding unless recorded in writing.
AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCY SERVICE
In an emergency situation, a client may require immediate medical support (e.g., examination, medication and/or hospitalisation). If after hours, limited direct assistance may be given to make needed arrangements to obtain either out-patient medical assistance (e.g., consultation with either a doctor, GP, or psychiatrist), or in-patient medical treatment (e.g., admission at casualty). A fee will be charged for after-hours emergency services.
Book your first consultation HERE
LIFE redesign 