WHAT TO EXPECT

Frequently asked questions:

What can you expect from therapy?

There’s a common misconception about the role of therapists. Therapists aren’t there to give you advice and tell you how to feel or behave. You can get that type of advice talking with friends or family.

Therapists are there to help you become more self-aware, meet your goals, and reflect on the best choices for you.

Will everything I tell my therapist be confidential?

In most cases, yes. Confidentiality is an important part of building trust with your therapist. You will be asked to read and sign a confidentiality agreement during the first session.

However, there are some exceptions to this, which allow the therapist to work responsibly. Supervision – therapists always discuss clients regularly with a supervisor (another experienced therapist) who also has to maintain confidentiality. 

Safety – if your therapist is concerned that you're at serious risk of harming yourself or someone else, they may need to inform your GP, a healthcare professional or someone else. They should tell you first if they're going to do this. Any activity which may be illegal such as money laundering or terrorism would have to be shared.

Confidentiality and GDPR regulations

Confidentially is a top priority with all records containing personal data stored in compliance with the  ICO. Lakeland Counselling GDPR and Privacy Policy Click Here (opens a pdf in a new window).

How often will I need therapy and how long will it last?

There is no one size fits all model for therapy. Therapy can last anywhere from one session to several months or even years. It all depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a very specific problem they need to solve and might find that one or two sessions is sufficient.