Question 1

Am I in safe hands; are you properly trained, accredited and experienced?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have undertaken a full 7-year psychotherapy training to post-MA level. I’m accredited with the UKCP and abide by their code of ethics. I have over 15 years’ experience working in private practice, in the NHS, and teaching humanistic counselling in a college called the Gestalt Centre.

Question 2

What are your fees, and do you offer reduced-cost sessions?

Accepted Answer

I charge £75 for online or daytime in-person sessions and £85 for evening in-person sessions. I have a limited number of low-cost positions for students or those on a low income.

Question 3

Will you definitely be able to help me?

Accepted Answer

Almost certainly. I have worked with many people over the years, with many different therapeutic goals. If you let me know roughly what you seek, I’ll be able to let you know if I can help.

Question 4

What types of issues do you specialise in?

Accepted Answer

I’m a mainstream therapist, used to working with issues such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, relationship problems, loneliness, addiction, low self-esteem, parenting difficulties, work stress, feeling stuck and needing change, living in the face of prejudice and discrimination. I can also help you on your path to greater contentment and fulfilment through deeper self-awareness.

Question 5

How can I tell if you’re the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully you’ll get some sense of what I’m like from the website and in our initial phone chat. But diving into an initial session is probably the only way to really know if you feel comfortable with me. Tonally, I’m interactive, warm, supporting. I always try to keep in mind the four ‘H’s’ for therapy: Humanity, Honesty, Humour and Humility.

Question 6

How do I know if yours is the right type of therapy for me?

Accepted Answer

There are a bewildering array of different types of therapy, usually categorised into: psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, existential and humanistic therapies. I am originally trained in Gestalt which is a humanistic therapy. I now work integratively which means I draw on many influences and will tailor my approach to what you need. Largely though, I am committed to the humanistic belief that humans have a natural tendency towards healing and growth. My task is to promote your ‘actualising tendency’ by increasing awareness.

Question 7

What if we meet and I don’t think you’re the right therapist for me?

Accepted Answer

Most people wish to continue after their initial session, but if you don’t feel I’m the right therapist for you, that’s absolutely fine. It’s important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. If you don’t want to continue, I won’t charge you for the initial session and will be happy to recommend some other therapists.

Question 8

Where are you at with EDI (Equity, Diversity and Inclusion)?

Accepted Answer

I am fully committed to the life-long journey of increasing my awareness, inclusivity, and affirmation around differences of race, sexuality, gender, neurodiversity- all the diversities. This is an ongoing focus for my CPD (Continued Professional Development) and an important part of my work as a therapist and teacher. People of colour, members of the LGBTQAI+ communities, all marginalised groups, are over-represented in therapy due to the traumatising effects of racism, homophobia,
all discrimination and prejudice. Doing something about this is part of my life’s work and all are welcome with me.

Question 9

How do a I book a session?

Accepted Answer

To book a session, you can reach me via the contact form, by email, or text me on 07761463319. I will get back to you with my current availability. If we can find a day and time that will work for both of us, we will have a brief chat on the phone to run through a few practicalities and set up an initial session.

Question 10

How long does a session last?

Accepted Answer

Sessions are 50 minutes long.

Question 11

How many sessions might I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions will depend on your individual needs and journey. Some find what they seek in short-term work, perhaps as little as 6 sessions. Others find that long-term therapy can be extremely beneficial and may continue for several years. Over time I’ve found that about half my clients stay for about a year.

Question 12

How often do sessions take place?

Accepted Answer

The usual format is to meet weekly at the same time, especially at first. Some clients who I have been working with for some time come less regularly, and some drop in from time to time for support if they need it.

Question 13

Is everything I share confidential?

Accepted Answer

Our time together is a safe, contained space. In all normal circumstances everything shared in therapy is confidential. There are some very rare exceptions in which a therapist may be required to share information with a doctor or court.

Question 14

How do online sessions work?

Accepted Answer

Online sessions are just as effective for most people and allow easy access to therapy in busy lives. You’ll need a comfortable, private place and good internet connection. I’ll email you a Zoom link shortly before our scheduled time and off we go.

Question 15

How do in-person sessions work?

Accepted Answer

On arrival at The Practice Rooms, you’ll see colour-coded buzzers. Please press the buzzer for the Red Room a minute or so before our session time. At first, I’ll come down to meet you, but once established I’ll wait for you upstairs. There are toilets, but no waiting room or kitchen.

Question 16

Does the building have step-free access?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, not. The room we will work in is on the first floor and there is no lift. Please let me know if you require step-free access as I may be able to see you at the nearby Gestalt Centre which is fully accessible.

Question 17

What happens if I need to reschedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

Just let me know and I’ll be happy to reschedule where possible. If not possible, the session will be counted as a missed session - see below.

Question 18

What about holidays and missed sessions?

Accepted Answer

I take 6 weeks holiday in the year, aligning with the academic year. You will be welcome to take a further 6 weeks holiday in the year without paying for them, but I will ask you to pay for any missed sessions over 6, or pro rata for short term work. The reason for this is to cover me regarding my fixed overheads. So far, the arrangement has worked out fine for clients.

Rob French - Ba, PGCE, Ma, Postgrad. Dip

07761463319

rob@robertfrenchpsychotherapy.com

Integrative Psychotherapy, Counselling and Supervision in London and Online.

07761463319

rob@robertfrenchpsychotherapy.com

150 Caledonian Road, Islington, London, N1 9RD, UK