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.