Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBT Counselling?
CBT Counselling will enable you to resolve your problem by helping you to identify how the thoughts that you have lead to negative feelings and behaviours and then by teaching you a range to skills to enable you to change these thoughts and in turn the way that you feel and react to situations thus improving your problem and your overall experience of life.
What issues can CBT Counselling help with?
CBT Counselling can help adults, children and couples to deal with a range problems including:
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Bereavement
- Depression
- Eating Disorders (Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, Binge eating disorders and Eating Disorders Not Specified)
- Low Self Esteem
- Marriage or Relationship Problems
- Panic Attacks
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Self Harm Problems
- Somatic problems – Chronic Migraine, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME)
- Stress
Will CBT Counselling work?
Research indicates that CBT Counselling is currently the most effective talking therapy available and as such is recommended by the government body NICE for a range of mental health problems.
Your own attitude will also make a difference. If you go along determined to make the most of every session and be completely honest about yourself, it is more likely to work. If, as a result of what you learn about yourself, you are prepared to face your fears and risk making changes in your life, it is more likely to work.
What happens in CBT Counselling sessions?
Following an assessment (1-3 sessions depending on the type of problem) your Therapist will outline an individually tailored treatment plan which you will work on together over a number of sessions (see ‘How long does it take’). The principle aim of CBT Counselling is to help you to become your own therapist so sessions focus on teaching you a range a psychological and practical techniques to help you overcome your problem which you will practice in between sessions.
How many CBT Counselling sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you will need will depend upon the severity and chronicity of your problem(s), and the amount of time you can dedicate to implementing skills learnt in between sessions. CBT Counselling involves 2 phases, the first involves focusing on reducing your symptoms and improving your day to day experience. The second involves eliminating the factors that have led you to develop the symptoms in the first place, this second phase will future proof the improvements and ensure that your symptoms do not return. An average minimum for the first phase of CBT Counselling :
- Mild problems ( relatively recent onset) – 10-15 CBT Counselling sessions
- Moderate problems – 20-30 CBT Counselling sessions
- Severe problems – 40+ CBT Counselling sessions.
The second phase of CBT Counselling is usually between 20-60 sessions and can follow on immediately from the completion of the first phase (recommended) or after a short break.
The CBT Counselling programme is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure that satisfactory progress is being made and that you are comfortable with all aspects of the CBT Counselling you are receiving.
The more time you can dedicate to practicing the techniques you are taught the more quickly you will begin to notice improvements in how you feel and how you respond things.
How often do I come to CBT Counselling?
In line with evidence, sessions are held once per week and last 50 minutes to maximise the speed and ease with which you can achieve your goals. Once the ‘active’ stage of counselling is complete and you and your therapist are happy that you are where you want to be, you will be offered a number of follow up sessions via Skype to support you as you fully integrate the changes you have made.
How do I arrange a CBT Counselling appointment?
You can arrange a CBT Counselling appointment at any of our clinics, or via Skype at a location that suits you, by using our online booking system, by email info@thebritishcbtcounsellingservice.com or by telephone 0800 002 9068.
When you contact us you will be provided with a list of available appointments times and the therapists offering them. Sessions are held at the same time every week (e.g. Monday at 6pm) so when you select an appointment time try to make sure it will be convenient for you to attend at that same time every week.
Once I have selected an appointment and paid for it am I tied into a contract?
You can decide to end your therapy at any point and will not be charged for future scheduled sessions as long as you give notice that you want to end therapy 24 hours before your next appointment.
Psychologists
What training do our Psychologists have?
Our Psychologists are either Doctors of Clinical or Counselling (or equivalent) Psychology. Each has spent between seven and nine years training to enable people to overcome their emotional difficulties using a range of techniques including CBT Counselling and in addition to practicing privately, many hold (or have held) senior positions in the NHS.
All our Psychologists are registered with The Health Care Professions Council which monitors and regulates the practice of Clinical Psychologists and chartered with The British Psychological Society.
What is The Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) and why is registration with them important?
The Health Care Professions Council is an independent, UK-side regulatory body set up to protect the public. To do this they keep a register of health and care professionals who meet their standards for training, professional skills and behaviour. Clinical Psychologist and Counselling Psychologist are protected titles and can only be used by therapists who appear on the HCPC register.
What is The British Psychological Society (BPS) and why is chartership important?
The British Psychological Society is the representative body for psychology and psychologists in the UK. The Society was formed in 1901 and has more than 45,000 members. Through its Royal Charter, the Society is charged with overseeing psychology and psychologists. It has responsibility for the development, promotion and application of pure and applied psychology for the public good. (http://www.bps.org.uk)
Chartership is the benchmark of professional recognition for psychologists. It reflects the highest standards of knowledge and expertise.
Psychotherapists
What training do our Psychotherapists have?
Our Psychotherapists have relevant core professional training (Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Nurse Practitioner), have been accountable to their core profession for at least a year, have additional training in the theory and practice of CBT in their relevant area of competence, receive regular clinical supervision including live supervision and are accredited to practice with The British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies.
What is The BABCP and why is accreditation important ?
The BABCP is the British Association of Behavioural Cognitive Psychotherapists. It is the lead organisation for the theory, practice and development of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the UK.(http://www.babcp.com). BABCP Accreditation is the “Gold Standard” that every CBT Psychotherapist is striving to achieve. Any psychotherapist can be a member but to achieve accreditation with the BABCP demonstrates that the therapist has met the criteria outlined in their core profession, qualifications and clinical experience.
Can you prescribe medication?
Our therapists are not able to prescribe medication, however if you require medication we refer and/or liaise with external agencies (e.g., psychiatrist, a private clinic, your GP) to ensure you have a specialist in medication management. All our therapists are trained in monitoring patients taking medication as an adjunct to CBT Counselling.
How much does CBT Counselling cost?
Our fees start from £95 and treatments include a free pre assessment telephone consultation with one of our clinical support team.
How do I pay for CBT Counselling?
Payment can be made by electronic transfer or via our online payment system. To avoid unnecessary breaks in CBT Counselling, payment should be made 48 hours before the appointment.
To secure the preferred treatment slot the fee for the first consultation is payable at the point of booking. This is a non-refundable payment.
Do I pay if I don’t attend?
To enable our therapists to provide a reliable and regular service:
- The full CBT Counselling session rate will be charged for all sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice.
- A maximum of two cancellations will be accepted in any 20 week period (inc. CBT Counselling sessions cancelled due to patient’s holidays or sickness and CBT Counselling sessions cancelled due to late payment by patients). The full CBT Counselling session rate will be charged for additional cancellations regardless of notice period.
If you have already paid for your CBT Counselling session and if appropriate the fee for your CBT Counselling session will be refunded to you by electronic transfer.