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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Counselling and Psychotherapy like?

Every session is unique and focuses on the client’s needs and goals. Therapists will discuss primary issues and concerns in the client’s life. Sessions can last from fifty minutes to an hour. Besides talk therapy, other mediums may be used to express feelings like sand, clay or art. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, depending on the complexity of the issue. To get the most out of the therapy sessions, clients must actively participate and be ready for growth.

What is the difference between Counselling and Psychotherapy?

Generally, counselling is short-term and psychotherapy is longer-term. Counselling focuses on specific present issues and psychotherapy focuses on complex deep-seated issues.

Counselling and psychotherapy are often interchanged and have many overlapping areas. Sometimes, counselling for issues such as indecisiveness or procrastination may reveal a damaging pattern of thought and behaviour that may require in-depth psychotherapy.

Why should I consider therapy?

Therapy is not only for people with serious mental health issues, but also for anyone who is seeking progression – to become a better version of themselves, to improve their lives in other ways, to find connection and meaning for themselves.

The best part about therapy is that you will always have someone (the therapist) journeying with you, no matter how rocky the path may be. You don’t need a big or serious reason to consider therapy – any reason you have in mind to see a therapist is completely valid. The first step is reaching out, and the rest of the process will follow.

Is therapy confidential?

For therapy to be effective, trust must be present. Confidentiality is one of the core components. All communication is kept strictly between therapist and client only, as required under the law and ethical standards.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule of confidentiality, in the following situations:

  • If client is in danger or harm to self or others
  • If there are any suspicions of abuse (sexual, substance, emotional, physical, verbal)
  • If there are any laws broken

If there is a need to disclose information, we will work with you to handle the situation in a way that respects you, your feelings and your needs.

How are the telehealth services provided?

Telehealth is the use of video and audio technologies to support long-distance services between providers and clients. T

These sessions are held using industry standard software like Doxy.me, Zoom or VSee – which are secure and encrypted video platforms. We will take all reasonable measures to protect your confidentiality. However, we are unable to guarantee the confidentiality in the event of any data breach that is not within our control.

How can I prepare for a therapy session?

  • Be open to talking about anything that comes to your mind or any feeling that you’re experiencing – whether it’s the nerves or discomfort, talk about it to the therapist.
  • Be patient with the therapy process; even if you don’t see the changes yet, trust that things are happening (neurologically and emotionally) in the meantime! As Siegel (2006) said, psychotherapy changes both the structure and function in the brain and nervous system, helping in neural integration – which is the basis for personal and interpersonal wellbeing.
  • Be ready to take away something from your session – think about something that you found helpful, or something that you enjoyed, or even one thing that you realized or learned about yourself.
  • Remember that progress is more important than perfection – 1% of progress is better than 0%

If my child comes for therapy, will I be kept in the loop?

Absolutely! Parent participation is highly encouraged. In general, parents will be kept in the loop on the issues that will be addressed, and the progress of the sessions. There will also be a review and feedback session with parents, preferably once every 5 or 6 weeks. The review sessions are normally 15-30minutes each time. Joint sessions for the family may also be conducted according to the needs.

However, confidentiality is still extremely important in therapy. In order for honest feelings to emerge, there must be trust in the therapeutic relationship. Hence, out of respect for the child’s feelings and to honor confidentiality, some information may not be shared with parents unless the conditions for breaching confidentiality is met (see answer to previous question).

I’m below 21 years of age, do I need my parent’s permission to have therapy?

Children between the age of 4 to 20 years old will need written consent from parent or guardian, signed and submitted before the first appointment. Individuals from 21 years of age onwards do not need a written consent form from parents. The forms will be sent through email to the parents. The child is also required to be accompanied by a chaperon to the venue and can wait outside until the session is over. The chaperon will not be involved in the session as the issues discussed are confidential.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are usually fifty minutes to an hour. Please note that sessions will conclude on time to respect the appointments of other clients. Please refer to the pricing page for more details.

For chaperons who arrive late in picking their child from session, the time will be charged at $20 in blocks of 10 minutes.

What is your cancellation policy?

As much as possible, we will remain flexible with adjustments because we understand that emergencies do happen.

However, please understand that we will not be able to use that time slot for another client if you cancel your appointment before 24 hours. Cancellations that are less than 24 hours before your appointment time, regardless of reason, will be charged.

We appreciate your help in keeping the office schedule running timely and efficiently.

What are the fees like?

Please click on Pricing for more information.

How do I know this is the right place for me?

We don’t, that is why we provide a 15min free consultation call so that you can make the best choice for yourself in finding the right fit with the right therapist.

I need help now, can I call or walk-in?

Unfortunately, you may not. The number provided is for appointment bookings or cancellations, and therapy sessions are strictly by appointment-only.

For emergencies, please call 999 or IMH A&E services 63892003.

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