Frequently Asked Questions

No, you don't need to be a parent to work with me. While my specialty is in supporting parents, my therapeutic approach is beneficial for anyone seeking to improve their emotional wellbeing and self awareness. If you resonate with my work and feel that we might be a good fit, I'd be delighted to chat with you. Book a free consultation, and we can explore how we might work together to meet your goals.

No diagnosis is needed to seek support or psychotherapy. Struggling with mental health or well-being is reason enough to reach out for help. Therapy can assist with various challenges, promoting personal growth and overall well-being. Prioritise your mental health without hesitation. 

CBT is perfect if you want to understand the root causes behind your anxiety or low mood and discover useful ways to deal with them. It's all about teamwork – we can work together to figure out how to move forward and make progress. 

So, if you're eager to take an active part in your therapy and work together to find solutions, CBT is definitely the right choice for you. It's a collaborative approach that empowers you to take charge of your well-being. 

During the free consultation, we'll have a quick chat over the phone to talk about your current situation. It's a chance for both of us to figure out if CBT could be the right fit for you. Sometimes, we might discover that CBT may not be the best option for your specific needs. If that's the case, don't worry - we'll talk about the reasons why and explore other services or treatments that could be a better match.

This consultation is also an opportunity for you to see if I'm the right therapist for you. It's essential to feel comfortable and connected with your therapist, so we'll use this time to see if we're a good fit for working together. Remember, the consultation is a no-pressure conversation to help us make the best decisions for your well-being. 

There is absolutely no obligation for you to go ahead with anything that doesn’t feel like a good fit or the right time for you. You are making a substantial investment in therapy and yourself, and it needs to be with a therapist you connect with. 

Sessions last up to an hour and at the beginning of each session, we will make a plan together of what feels the most important thing for us to work on/talk about to help you work towards your goals.

This may be a recent situation that you found difficult, or a new helpful coping strategy that you have been practicing outside of your sessions.

At the end of each session, we typically review how the session has gone, and plan a homework task for you to work on between sessions. Homework is based on practicing CBT skills and strategies to improve how you feel.  

I offer in person therapy across different locations in Haddington and Musselburgh, East Lothian  and Dalkeith, Midlothian. I also work online meaning it doesn't matter which part of the UK you are in, you can access therapy. Online appointments are over Microsoft Teams or Google Meet.

Each session after the free consultation costs £60 for online sessions and £75 for in person sessions due to room booking fees.

To secure your slot for each session, please make your payments via the payment link sent out prior to your session or by BACS (bank transfer) at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment. If the payment is not received before the session, I won't be able to confirm the slot for you. 

Once you book your session, I will send payment details. 

At the beginning, appointments are scheduled weekly, which allows us to build a strong and trusting therapeutic relationship. It also gives us the chance to delve deeper into your situation and work on strategies to improve your emotional well-being.

As you make progress and gain a better understanding of yourself and how to apply CBT techniques effectively, we can gradually extend the time between appointments. We'll have a discussion about this once we've started working together, and we'll create a plan that suits your specific needs and progress. The idea is to find a pace that supports your growth and ensure you get the most out of the therapy.

Exactly, the number of sessions needed for therapy varies depending on individual circumstances and therapeutic goals. After our assessment, we can discuss how many sessions might be beneficial to help you progress from where you are at the beginning of therapy to where you want to be.

In many cases, clients find that around 12-20 sessions are sufficient to achieve their objectives and see significant improvements. However, some individuals may find that 6 sessions are enough, while others might benefit from a more extended treatment plan.

The essential thing is to tailor the therapy to your specific needs, ensuring that we work together to achieve the best outcomes for you. Flexibility is key, and we can always adjust the number of sessions based on your progress and preferences as we go along. The ultimate goal is to support you in reaching a positive and fulfilling place in your life. 

Absolutely, you can stop treatment at any time, and you don't need to provide a specific reason if you choose to do so. Your comfort and well-being are paramount, and I want you to feel empowered in your therapeutic journey. 

To get the most out of therapy, it's essential to attend appointments regularly and be actively engaged in the process. However, I understand that life can sometimes present challenges that may hinder consistent attendance or active participation. If there's anything going on in your life that might affect your ability to fully engage in therapy, we can discuss it openly together. My goal is to create a supportive and understanding environment where we can work through any difficulties or obstacles you might be facing. Remember, your progress and comfort are at the forefront of our sessions, and I'm here to support you in any way I can.

If you need to cancel a session in advance, we can reschedule it for another time that works for you. However, for short-notice cancellations (less than 24 hours before your appointment), the full session rate (£60) will be charged. This policy is in place because such short notice doesn't allow me to book a new appointment in that slot, and it's challenging to fill the time with another client on such short notice. 

To avoid any inconvenience, please try to let me know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule a session. This way, I can find a suitable alternative for you and make the necessary arrangements. 

You can get in touch with me between sessions, but please keep in mind that I might not be able to respond immediately due to my schedule: 

• Email: elspeth@elspetherapy.co.uk 

It's essential to be aware that my emails and phone are not monitored 24/7. If you are in the UK and find yourself in need of urgent mental health support, please consider the following options:

• Samaritans: You can call them at 116 123. 
• Text SHOUT to 85258: If you prefer texting, you can reach out to SHOUT for support via text messaging. 
• NHS 111 or 999: You can call the NHS for urgent medical advice. 
• Your GP: Reach out to your General Practitioner for assistance. 
• Local A&E Department: If it's an emergency, go to your nearest Accident & Emergency department for immediate help. 
• PANDAS: 0808 1961 776. Free helpline to offer support and advice 

These resources are equipped to provide the appropriate support and care in times of crisis. Please don't hesitate to reach out to them if you need urgent help. Remember, your well-being is essential, and there are people ready to support you when you need it most. 

While both person centred therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) are effective therapeutic approaches, they differ significantly in their underlying principles and methods. Person centred therapy focuses on creating a non-judgmental, empathetic environment where you can explore your emotions and experiences freely, guided by a supportive therapist. This approach emphasises self-exploration and personal growth, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of your own feelings and motivations.

On the other hand, CBT is a goal-oriented, structured form of therapy that emphasises the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It aims to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to emotional distress, focusing on practical strategies and coping mechanisms to address specific issues. Unlike person centred therapy, CBT is more directive, providing you with specific techniques and tools to challenge and modify unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

While person centred therapy promotes self-discovery and acceptance, CBT encourages you to actively challenge and reframe your thoughts and behaviors. Both approaches have their merits, catering to different therapeutic needs and preferences, ultimately aiming to empower you on your unique path toward personal wellbeing and growth.

At the start of therapy, we will establish a therapy contract that outlines the framework for our work together. This contract acts as a roadmap, defining our mutual responsibilities, session frequency, and confidentiality boundaries. It's designed to create a safe and supportive environment where we can explore your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours constructively. 

The therapy contract aims to create a transparent and trusting relationship, encouraging open communication and promoting your autonomy in the therapeutic process. Together, we will work within the agreed-upon guidelines to facilitate your personal growth and wellbeing. 

Before our first therapy session, I will ask you to read and sign the therapy contract and return it to me. This can be done via the contact page on the website or via email to hello@elspetherapy.co.uk