- How does this work
My recommended plan for your Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is to work through a 12 session therapy plan.
This involves understanding the problems that bringing you along to therapy, what is maintaining your problems. and where they originated from. Then we’ll move onto creating sustainable change where you’ll learn to change your thoughts, beliefs, and behaviours.
Before we end, we’ll create your bespoke “Maintaining Progress Plan” so you can leave our sessions with confidence.
This 12 session plan is recognised by NICE health guidelines.
There is of course the option to add on more sessions if there’s more you’d like to discuss or work on.
The 12-session plan costs £997 as a one-off payment or 3 monthly instalments of £399.
We’ll have an initial call before you sign up so we can be sure that the plan is for you and that you feel comfortable working with me.
- How frequent will sessions be?
Sessions are usually at the same time on a weekly basis as this helps to create a solid relationship between us and builds momentum for your plan.
Please let me know if you have any concerns about how this would work for you, I appreciate that things like shift-work and childcare can get in the way and I try to be as accommodating as I can.
- How are the sessions carried out?
I deliver online therapy by Zoom and face-to-face sessions in Leith, Edinburgh.
The initial consultations are carried out by phone.
- How should I prepare for therapy?
It is important that you have a quiet space where you can be free from distractions.
Having good internet connection is also helpful for this type of work.
When we begin, I’ll help you to set some achievable therapy goals. A way to prepare could be to think about what you’d like to gain from therapy e.g., learn to say no to things I don’t want to do, build my confidence, process a particular event.
- What will sessions be like?
CBT sessions are quite structured – we begin by setting an agenda of what we’ll cover that session so there’ll be no ‘hidden surprises’.
I’ll bring information and tools that I think may benefit you and you can bring topics or situations that you’d like to spend some time on.
At the end of the session, we’ll decide on something for you to take away or try out that week and I’ll ask you for feedback so that I can tailor the sessions to suit you.
- What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Please give a minimum of 24 hours’ notice to avoid being charged for the session. There will be times where it is unavoidable, and circumstances will be taken into account.
- Are we a good fit to work together?
I work in a calm and friendly manner, I communicate without complicated psycho-jargon, and many of my clients say that our sessions feel supportive and relaxed.
I will tell you what you need to hear, which might not always be what you want to hear. This is because I want you to achieve the change that you’re seeking. I’ll hold you accountable and challenge you on some of your thoughts and behaviours. I always deliver this challenge with kindness and compassion and I will be by your side.
I fundamentally believe that all people deserve respect. I have worked with people from varied cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds and with people with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
- Will you advise me on medication?
No, I won’t advise you on medication as this isn’t part of my job. If this is something you’re interested in, your GP can discuss this with you.
- If I see you in public, what do we do?
I’ll take your lead. If you would like to say hi or wave, I’ll happily respond, but if you’d rather not that’s fine too. I understand that you might not want to explain to someone you’re with how you know me or any other reason you might have. I’ll leave this completely up to you.
- Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy has been around for a while now but since the pandemic, there has been a boom in online delivery and associated research. It has been proven that online therapy is as effective as in-the-room therapy for anxiety, depression, and other concerns.
Online therapy removes the distance barrier, making it quicker and easier for busy professionals to access therapy.
Perhaps you travel round the country for work, have mobility concerns, or there’s just not enough time in your day to be travelling to and from therapy.
- What if I’m nervous?
Feeling nervous is a completely natural response to this type of situation. It’s a brave step to take to talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings. My job is to help make this is as comfortable as it can be for you – we’ll go at your pace in a way that suits you.
- How do I get started?
My details can be found on my contact page. Send me an email to say that you’re interested in working with me, and I’ll guide the conversation from there.
Therapy with Kirsty 