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10th December 2024 
FAQ. contemplative pathways

Frequently Asked Questions

sue.schraer@gmail.com

* Does Psychotherapy work?


There are a large number of different therapies available and it is hard for a new patient/client to disentangle what might be appropriate for him/her/them.

The kind of therapy I practice is psychodynamic/analytic therapy. A ground-breaking academic paper by Jonathan Shedler of the University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (2010) based on extensive research found:

"...the evidence indicates that the benefits of psychodynamic treatment are lasting and not just transitory and appear to extend well beyond symptom remission. For many people, psychodynamic therapy may foster inner resources and capacities that allow richer, freer,and more fulfilling lives."

* What are the fees for psychotherapy?

To be negotiated.


I reserve a few sessions per week for low-fee clients who are on low incomes or are unwaged. This can be discussed at the initial consultation.

Please email me requesting further information, supplying your name, a phone number and some alternative times when it would be convenient to talk to you and arrange an initial consultation.

email: sue.schraer@gmail.com

* How long is a course of psychotherapy?


The duration of therapy depends on the nature of the issues and the requirements of the client. Whilst some patients/clients engage in shorter-term work, I also undertake deeper, exploratory psychotherapy for a longer period of time.

* How long is a session with a psychotherapist?

Sessions are 50 minutes' duration. The Initial Consultation is 1.25/1/5 hours where background and context are explored before we decide wherther we are a good fit for proceeding with therapy.

* What hours do you work?

Appointments are available Monday to Thursday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and on Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m..

* Is the psychotherapist confidential?

The work undertaken is strictly confidential. The only breach of confidentiality would be if I judge you to be in danger of harming yourself or other/s. I am bound by the ethical code laid down by my registering bodies: BPC and UKCP.

* How often do people come for therapy?

I tend to see people for one or two sessions per week.

* How much notice do I have to give if I wish to stop therapy?

It is beneficial to come to a planned, rather than abrupt, ending so I ask for at least a month's notice.

* What is the difference between psychotherapy and counselling?

Although you will often see the terms 'psychotherapy' and 'counselling' used interchangeably, psychotherapists undergo a longer and deeper training with a requirement to do more clinical hours during their training period. Often psychotherapy is a longer-term intervention which seeks to explore more complex and entrenched difficulties, although many psychotherapists offer short-term counselling too.