How will it work?
As a first step, I offer a free 30 minute call, to hear a bit about what is bringing you and discuss how I might be able to help.
This gives us both an opportunity to think about whether therapy with me is a good next step, or whether I can make other recommendations.
All sessions thereafter are charged at £75 for 50 minutes. I can offer in-person sessions in a quiet and confidential central York location, or online on a secure video conferencing platform.
Sessions
Initial Consultations
For new clients, I usually suggest we meet for 3 sessions initially. This allows us to develop a shared understanding of your difficulties, think about your therapy goals and to make a plan for ongoing work. It is important at this point to think about how you manage when things are more difficult, so that therapy work can be paced appropriately for your safety.
Ongoing Therapy
If we agree to move forward I will share information about my practice and we can agree arrangements. Sessions will usually take place weekly at the same time and day, and we will also think about a timeframe for your therapy. For many clients it is helpful to begin with at least 6 months, in order to provide a consistent and reliable space to explore things. If helpful, we may make use of clinical outcome measure tools (client questionnaires) at points throughout your therapy, to monitor progress and for service evaluation.
Brief Work
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy tends to be most effective over a mid-longer term timeframe, but can also facilitate important insights in brief work. Depending on your situation and resources, we can discuss the appropriateness of shorter term work.
What is Psychotherapy?
There are many different therapy approaches, but all share essential components and aim to reduce distress and build resilience.
A safe space
I understand that many people will feel anxious beginning therapy. I take care to provide a reliable, confidential space, clear information about how therapy will work, and am sensitive to differences in culture, neurodiversity, sexuality, gender and ethnicity.
Evidence based
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy is rooted in over 100 years of clinical theory and practice, which underpins much of modern psychotherapeutic approaches. With a strong evidence base, it is proven to be effective in helping people with a wide range of difficulties.
Compassion and curiosity
I approach each client with respect, openminded-ness and an interest in your particular strengths and difficulties. Through my work I am very aware of the painfulness of difficult or traumatic life experiences, and always ensure therapy is paced for each client’s need.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
A psychodynamic approach aims to increase understanding of the underlying causes of difficulties, often unconscious. Many people find that greater awareness in itself reduces their suffering and enables lasting changes.
Our approach is to explore whatever comes to mind, noticing feelings and conflicts as they come up. Patterns in relationships can be explored including in the therapy relationship, so that the past can gradually be better understood in the present.
Over time, many clients find that untangling some of the ‘knots’ inside them can make a huge impact on many areas of their lives, from work and friendships to relationships with family.
Other types of therapy
There are many types of therapy and ways of working with difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences.
Some people find that a more structured approach suits them best. In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), sessions can have a clear agenda and skills can be learned to help you manage things better in life.
At times, therapy with others such as Relationship Therapy or Family Therapy can be a helpful way to address issues with important people in your life.
If you are not sure which type of therapy is right for you, I can help you think about this and signpost where another approach is likely to be more helpful.
Catherine Adlam 