Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Counsellors qualified and professionally registered?

Yes all counsellors working with TalkTherapyLondon are fully qualifed having undertaken significant studies. All counsellors are also fully registered with one of the UK's main accreditation bodies such as BACP, UKCP or BPS.

How do I book a session?

It is easy to book with us. You can telephone or email us. It is helpful to have an idea of a couple of days and times that may siut you and also a couple of preferred locations. That way it makes it easier to meet your requirements. When you make your booking you will be informed of your counsellors contact details and receive confirmation of Intorductory Session. Further sessions are simply booked with your counsellor.

What is Counselling ?
Counselling is a skilled process which enables clients to explore problematic areas, difficulties and concerns. Counsellors are trained to work in a variety of ways so that the necessary skills are applied exactly where they are needed. Some clients find that they have no presenting or significant problem, but that they just want to feel "listened to" and understood, having the space to share or work through their thoughts and feelings. Counselling essentially aims to help clients to work towards more satisfying and resourceful lives, by taking control of their own lives and decisions. The client chooses what they want to work on, and is empowered to make their own decisions and choices. An honest, trusting and supportive relationship between counsellor and client is essential for the counselling process, but the client is in control of what he/she reveals to the counsellor. Counselling is a non-judgmental environment, where clients are respected for who they are, whatever their ethnicity, beliefs, lifestyle, or sexual orientation.

How many sessions are needed ?
As stated by several famous psychotherapists and psychoanalysts, no-one knows the client better than the client themselves ! Counselling is very much centered upon the client, who decides for themselves when they are ready to stop the counselling process. TalkTherapyLondon offers a flexible approach so there is the possibility to negotiate starting, stopping and restarting sessions. Clients can choose to take a break, seek counselling elsewhere, or return to counselling at any time. In my experience, there are as many clients who require a few sessions as a "quick fix" to their situation, as those who require counselling longer term. It really is your choice - you will know when you are ready to go it alone !

How can I make counselling work for me ?
Clients can help themselves by being committed to the counselling process - it often requires much effort and determination to work efficiently. Clients who know what they want to achieve from counselling are half-way there to solving the problem. However, counselling can assist clients to determine their goals if the client is unsure of which way to turn. Although clients can choose what they reveal in counselling, it is important that what they do disclose is as honest and accurate as possible, in order for the counsellor to gain a clear insight and understanding of the client.

How does online / telephone counselling work ?
Counselling is also available via instant chat (MSN Messenger) or telephone. This works the same as face-to-face counselling in that you book a time slot and we converse via instant chat or telephone. You choose the means with which you are more comfortable.

This service is offered to offer a flexible option to help people cope with the pressures or restrictions of time, finances, identity, location, disability etc. TalkTherapyLondon still believes in face-to-face counselling, we offer online and telephone counselling over the MSN Messenger and telephone network. If you have any questions about internet/telephone counselling before you consider placing an order, please do not hesitate to ask.

What should I know about my counsellor ?
It is important to ensure your counsellor is properly trained and is a member of a professional organisation. However it is also important that your feel connected and able to work with your counsellor. We therefore suggest that you think of what information about your counsellor would make you feel comfortable and ask these at an introductory session.

If your question is not covered above, then please email us and we will happily answer. Click here to email us your question.