J Priestley Therapy Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I might benefit from psycotherapy or counselling?
People often have a clear intuitive sense that talking to someone about their feelings would be helpful. In addition there is good research evidence that psychotherapy and counselling can be helpful in overcoming particular difficulties such as depression, anxiety, addictions, eating disorders and so on. Many individuals also use psychotherapy to understand themselves better. This is particularly so if individuals recognise that they frequently seem to end up in similar kinds of interpersonal situations that may not be satisfactory. Psychotherapy can also be helpful for individuals who feel that they have the potential to live a fuller and richer life than they presently do.

What should I do in the sessions:
Talk freely about anything that has been a cause for concern or that you have strong feelings about. In addition it is often helpful to talk about other kinds of evidence of unconscious mental life, such as dreams or day dreams. It can also be helpful to discuss how you experience the therapy process iteself.

What does it cost?
I charge £55.00 for an assessment. Ongoing charges will be negotiated at the assessment.

Is there homework?
Sometimes I may suggest that you try observing your own feelings or thoughts or try new behaviours between sessions.

How long are sessions?
Fifty minutes.

How long does it go on for?
Many people prefer to work in an open ended way. However, sometimes I will make a time limited contract if a client wishes to resolve a specific symptom. Open ended and short term work are charged differently.

Do you charge for missed sessions?
Yes. Although I am willing to make contracts that offer some flexibility in this area.

Is it confidential?
Yes. The only limitation is when there exist a grave of risk of serious harm to someone.

Can I come in the evening or the weekend?
Yes I work in the evenings and also on Saturday morning.

Do you offer CBT?
I have some training in CBT and I am qualified as a schema therapist, which is recognised as a CBT modality. However, my primary training is Jungian Analytic.

If you do not have a vacancy can you refer me to another counsellor of psychotherapist in Balham or Wandsworth?
Yes I am in contact with a number of other therapists in South London.

Do you offer counselling supervision?
Yes.