Dr Helena de Klerk
Chartered Counselling Psychologist

​What is counselling/therapy?

In many ways there is no one answer to this question as the experience of counselling and therapy is subjective and based on the experience each one of us has engaging with it. However, in general terms counselling and therapy are synonymous and are referred to as a talking therapy. It is clear that when we can voice what we experience inside of ourselves that this can create relief and clarity. By doing so in a safe and confidential space with a trained professional many people feel better able to navigate day-to-day life.

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Why should I come to therapy?

You might have always wanted to try therapy but found it quite daunting. You might have never seen yourself as someone who might go to therapy. You may have had numerous therapies already. Therapy is there for everyone and anyone. It can help you to:

• make decisions, get unstuck (or find comfort in stuckness) and create meaningful change

• open up, create space, make sense of complicated thoughts and feelings 

• find balance and integrate inner and outer worlds

• heal emotional wounds from the inside out, develop coping strategies and increase resilience

 

How does therapy work?

Typically therapy involves talking about what’s on your mind, however sometimes there is strength in action and there may be times when we choose to focus on behavioural activities to explore your experience or to facilitate change. Silence is powerful too and sometimes we will focus on creating space for silence in the comfort and safety of the therapeutic space. Some therapists may also incorporate art, movement or other methods to facilitate the work. Typically therapists will explore this with you at the start of therapy. I strongly believe in working transparently with my clients and aim to discuss what I think might be helpful with you.

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What can I expect?

My aim is for you to leave therapy having gained something. Together we will explore what brought you to therapy and what it is that you hope to get from therapy. I will incorporate different approaches and/or techniques tailored to meet your needs. We may decide to make changes to better suit your needs as therapy progresses and I will collaborate with you and welcome your input about our process, including what you find to be  most (or least) useful.​ 

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How many sessions should I have?

This is an important question that we can discuss early on in our work together and can be reviewed as we proceed. I offer short and long term, fixed or open-ended sessions based on your needs.​

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What type of therapy should I try?

You may have come across different types of therapy or heard people use various acronyms to describe different therapies. It can often be quite confusing and difficult to know what the best approach might be. If you’d like to know more about different types of therapy, I direct you towards two websites that you might find useful (BACP and UKCP) and welcome you to contact me to discuss what’s on your mind. Together we can identify what might be helpful for you.

 

Do you diagnose/can I work with you if I have a diagnosis?

A diagnosis is sometimes a helpful short cut to make sense of what you are experiencing and for some people it can be a validating experience to finally put a description to the pain they have felt, however some people find diagnoses stigmatizing and an inaccurate reflection of what they experience. I believe that everyone, whether they have a diagnosis or not, can benefit from psychological therapy and look forward to exploring your unique experience with you.

 

What if I can’t afford to pay for therapy?

Not everyone can afford to pay for private therapy. There are other options available that I would encourage you to consider including but not limited to the following:

• NHS support: most individuals will be required to self refer or be referred through their GP to their local IAPT service. For more information search for IAPT in your local area.

• Charities like MIND.

• Low-fee services including the Guild of psychotherapists, WPF, etc.

If you’d like more information please don’t hesitate to contact me and I’d be happy to think with you about your current needs and circumstances.​​​

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