Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know what my problem is?
Sometimes people come to treatment to try and define their
problems. Often with anxiety, depression and loss of self-esteem
is difficult to figure out what's wrong. Clarification of
difficulties is usually easily achieved after the first session
or two.
How many treatments will it take to solve my problem?
The number of visits required is unique to the concerns you
bring to the consultation. Our therapists will ask you questions
to develop a thorough understanding of the problems that brought
you to treatment. Based on these findings, we will suggest
a personalised treatment plan and will discuss it with you.
Typically between 4 and 6 sessions are suggested by which
time some improvement is likely to have occurred.
How long is a treatment session?
A treatment session lasts 45 minutes
I have never been to a Psychologist or talked to
anyone about my problem before. How do I start?
Fear and embarrassment sometimes keeps people from discussing
psychological problems. J Brook-Tanker & Associates work
with individuals in a way that will allow you to comfortably
discuss these subjects so we can work on finding solutions.
Ask yourself what you have to lose if you give it a try. Find
a way to make the first contact.
Is the service Confidential?
The practice maintains the highest standards of privacy and
confidentiality at all times. Should confidentiality need
to be broken this will only happen following discussion with
the client. Confidentiality will only be broken to protect
a person, including the client, from abuse or danger.
How much does treatment cost?
Fees vary according to the therapist and the treatment required.
Currently our fees range from £40 to £78 per session
for those who are self funding (depending on the therapist)
and £110 for those with private health insurance (including
compensation settlements). We aim to make psychological treatment
open to a larger number of people hence the reduced fee for
individuals self funding.
Do I need a GP referral if I am self funding?
If you are self funding we do not require a GP referral. In
some cases, you may want you GP informed about your treatment
and occasionally we may contact the GP with the client's consent.
Do you see clients elsewhere in Dorset?
Currently we see clients at our practice address in Lower
Parkstone. The clinic is easily accessible from Poole and
Bournemouth. In the near future we will be holding a clinic
in West Dorset and in Southampton. Details will be confirmed
shortly.
I have had counselling in the past which just focused
on my childhood but didn't change the way I was feeling in
the present. Will your treatment be different?
In contrast to counselling, the therapy we offer
is more focused and structured and the psychologist/therapist
will be much more active in the session. We believe it is
important for our clients to have a clear psychological understanding
of their difficulties and an understanding of how these relate
to the past but, more importantly, how they are being maintained
in the present. By having this understanding one can then
consider ways to change. Early life experiences are important
in the origin of many problems and, where appropriate, these
may need to be discussed but any treatment plan will always
be discussed explicitly in advance.
I am concerned about a friend/family member but they
are unwilling to attend an appointment.
This is a relatively common situation. In this situation we
are be happy to meet the friend/family member to have a preliminary
discussion about the psychological issues, to provide information
about other resources and to discuss potential ways in which
they could help.