FAQs
What issues can counselling help with?
Clients come to us with wide-ranging problems, some of are listed below:
Anxiety (generalised anxiety problems, panic attacks, agoraphobia, social anxiety, claustrophobia.​​
Anger and shame
Workplace issues (stress, work-life imbalances)
Relationship issues (breakups, divorce, affairs, loneliness, life adjustments, marital issues, conflict in the relationship, jealousy, premarital issues)
Depression (including suicidal thoughts, low mood, social withdrawal)
Low self-esteem and lack of confidence
Gender Identity
Sexual problems
Trauma
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Issues around eating including negative body image
Phobias and fears
Addiction and substance misuse
abuse (including physical, verbal, and sexual abuse)
Bereavement/grief/loss
How do IÂ know if my therapist is qualified?
Both of us have at minimum a postgraduate diploma and are registered and (and eligible for accreditation) with the BACP - British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy which is the board for ethical practice for counselling.
Why private Therapy?
Many people turn to private support when they are struggling and want to change how they are feeling.
Waiting lists for NHS and charity mental health support can be lengthy and treatment options limited.
Benefits to private therapy:
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Quicker access time (You can be waiting up to 24 months on the NHS).
Not being given the support you need unless you are or someone else is at immediate risk of harm.
You can choose your psychologist. They also choose to work with you rather than being assigned to each other. This improves treatment outcomes.
As many sessions as you need or want meaning your difficulties are less likely to reoccur. (Charity or NHS services work within a limited timeframe).​
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Having more say in what type of therapy you would like to have.
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More flexibility in time / appointments / regularity.
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Your therapist further able to refer you to other private or non private primary and secondary services to further aid you.
Who works in which area?
Michelle is set up in both London and Northamptonshire, Constance's practice is in London and online.
Should I have long-term or short-term counselling?
Every person is different. In your initial assessment, your therapist will ask you how many sessions you feel like you want to start with. After the first 3 to 6 sessions, you can review with your therapist how many more sessions you feel like you would like to continue with. It might be open-ended. We do recommend you start with 6 sessions with your therapist. This is so it gives you and your therapist time to build a relationship and for them to grasp any presenting issues. There is no obligation to stay with a therapist if you do not feel they are the right fit.
What happens in the first session?
During the first appointment, we will conduct an informal assessment of your current difficulties. This will allow us to develop an idea of your presenting concerns. By the end of the assessment which takes mostly one to two appointments, we will make a recommendation on an initial number of sessions if you wish to begin a course of therapy.
Are all sessions confidential?
We take confidentiality very seriously, it is an integral part of the therapy.  You can be assured that every session is confidential. You can read more about confidentiality when we send you our confidentiality contract.
Why do you recommend weekly sessions?
The standard format of weekly sessions helps you make gradual and steady consistent progress that means you see real results. In some cases, a therapist will agree to two or more sessions per week, if you both deem it beneficial and they have the availability.
What's the difference between a counsellor/therapist, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist?
In basic terms, a psychiatrist is a registered doctor who can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medication. Psychologists and counsellors will offer talking therapy and a more holistic approach to healing and would not provide diagnoses or medication (though they will have a good understanding of the diagnosis or even medication that might be applicable). Where necessary they will liaise with psychiatrists and your GP to support you further. It can be confusing and complicated for more information on this click here
There are many different therapeutic approaches offered by therapists such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic, Jungian. Which one best suits me?
We are what is known as 'integrative' therapists, meaning we are trained in many types of therapy which we can blend to best match your issues.
Why is therapy helpful?
We think therapy should be part of someone's everyday routine, like going to the gym. Why don't we look after our minds as much as we look after our bodies when our minds are our greatest tool? In having therapy you are getting to know your mind on a deeper level and doing this will help you hopefully move forward through the more challenging times in life. We hope therapy will help you to understand your thought processes better and might give you an insight to why it is you are feeling the way you are. Knowing yourself better might feel scary to start with but can really benefit you in all aspects of your life such as work and relationships long term. We hope that therapy will continue to benefit you even after your sessions have ended.
Do I need therapy?
We believe that most people could benefit from therapy.
What age groups do you work with?
At The Kapok Therapy Clinic, we work with all age groups over the age of 13, we are unable to take on anyone younger than 13 years old.
Why do your Northampton and London prices differ?
We have to keep our prices competitive in the areas that we practise. You will have to provide proof of GP address to show that you are a resident of Northampton before the sessions start.
Do you offer sliding scale rates?
Sliding scale can be discussed and agreed with your chosen therapist. If you are registered disabled, unemployed or receiving benefits, we ask for relevant documents of proof.