FAQs

You may have questions about how therapy works, what to expect, or how to get started. Below are answers to some of the things people commonly ask when considering therapy.

What does an initial consultation/assessment involve?

An initial consultation/assessment is mainly about giving you a chance to meet your therapist and get a better feel for whether they feel like the right therapist for you. It also involves talking about what is bringing you to therapy in more detail, how you would like it to help, and ask any questions you may have. The therapist is also likely to go through administrative details including taking your full details and advising you on the terms of therapy (e.g. confidentiality)

Do I need to prepare for my first session?

No — simply showing up is enough. Many people feel nervous about starting counselling or psychotherapy, and there is no expectation to know exactly what to say.

Some people find it helpful to make a few notes beforehand about what is bringing them to therapy, how they hope therapy might help, any symptoms they are experiencing, or past experiences they feel may be relevant. However, your first counselling session is simply an opportunity to begin exploring things together at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

How long is a therapy session?

Standard individual counselling and psychotherapy sessions are 50 minutes long, while couples therapy sessions are 60 minutes. Occasionally, longer sessions may be arranged if this feels therapeutically appropriate.

How often will I go to therapy?

Most people start therapy by meeting their therapist once a week because this is how you are likely to get the most out of your therapy sessions. However, this can be flexible and depends on your needs and what you agree upon with your therapist

How much does a therapy session cost?

Each therapist has their own fee structure, so please visit their individual profiles for specific pricing. Typically, counselling and psychotherapy sessions amongst therapists here at HumanKind range from £60–£90 per 50 minute session for individuals, and around £75 - £100 per 60 minute session for couples. An initial consultation through our referral service is at an introductory fee of £40 for a 30-50 minute consultation.

How confidential is therapy?

Confidentiality is a fundamental part of counselling and psychotherapy. Your therapist will not share that you are attending therapy, or discuss anything you speak about in sessions, with anyone else without your consent.

The only exception is where there is a serious concern about risk of harm to yourself or others, or where there is a legal obligation to disclose information. Even then wherever possible, your therapist would usually discuss this with you first before contacting anyone else.

How long do I need to be in therapy?

At HumanKind, therapy is usually open-ended, meaning you can attend for as long as feels helpful and end whenever you choose. Your therapist will regularly review the work with you, including how things are progressing and whether there is more you would like to explore.

Some people come for a limited number of sessions, while others choose longer-term therapy. If you are looking for short-term therapy (typically 8–12 sessions), you can discuss this with your therapist and work together towards a focused goal within that timeframe.

What if it turns out my therapist isn't the right fit?

We all get on with different types of people and it’s completely okay to feel that a therapist may not be the right fit for you. The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of effective therapy, so it’s important that you feel comfortable, understood, and able to connect with them. Our therapists will be open to talking this through with you and can help you find someone who is a better match.

What is the difference between Counselling & Psychotherapy?

The terms Counselling & Psychotherapy are often used interchangeably and often both can overlap as our therapists are able to offer both. Counselling is typically about working on a single issue e.g. a bereavement and is usually shorter-term work. Psychotherapy is more appropriate when working with the sense of a struggle that has likely been a cause of distress for some time. A psychotherapy relationship tends to be more longer-term.

Will a Counsellor or Psychotherapist tell me what to do?

Our therapists will help you find the best solution to fit your personal circumstances. They will offer you new insights or different ways of thinking about situations, help you explore your options, and build your confidence so you can make your own decisions.

We use cookies to personalise your experience and to analyse our traffic. Do you want to allow all cookies or view and change settings?