Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Counsellor or a Therapist? In the UK, the terms counsellor and therapist are often used interchangeably. Many practitioners choose one title or the other simply based on personal preference, not because of a strict difference in what they do. Traditionally:
However, these distinctions are not fixed. In practice, many counsellors and therapists offer a similar range of support, and both can work with a wide variety of mental health concerns.
What matters most is the therapeutic relationship - how well you and the practitioner connect, communicate, and feel able to work together. At HCTC, all practitioners are highly qualified, and the best choice is the person you feel comfortable with rather than the title they use.
How do I know I need therapy? There’s no single, definitive answer to this. But if you’ve found yourself looking at therapy websites or browsing therapy directories, it’s likely that a part of you already recognises that you could use some support with challenges in your life.
The idea of starting therapy can feel daunting, but by exploring your options, you’ve already taken the first step toward getting the help you need.
How do I know they're the right therapist for me? The therapeutic relationship - the connection and trust between client and therapist - is fundamental to successful therapy. If a client doesn’t feel comfortable, or doesn’t feel able to be open and honest, the work together is unlikely to be effective.
For this reason, clients are not asked to commit to a fixed number of sessions. Therapy progresses at the client’s own pace, and most clients quickly get a sense of whether a trusting and supportive rapport can be established.
How long will I have therapy for? The length of therapy is entirely up to the client. Some people attend sessions for a few months, while others continue for several years. Generally, a minimum of six sessions is recommended, as it often takes this amount of time to begin uncovering and exploring underlying issues.
While the therapist will discuss the conclusion of therapy with each client, the final decision about when to end is always the client’s choice.
How often should I have sessions? The frequency of sessions is decided by the client. Some attend weekly, others fortnightly, and some once a month. Practitioners generally recommend starting with weekly or fortnightly sessions to establish consistency and momentum in the work.
What should I expect from my first session? It’s normal for clients to feel nervous in their first session. Every client is different, but the first session is usually an opportunity for them to share their story in whatever way feels comfortable. The therapist will ask a few questions, but this session is primarily for the client to explain why they have come and to begin building a trusting therapeutic relationship.
The pace of therapy is guided by the client - some people feel able to open up fully in the first session, while others take several weeks to feel secure enough to do so.
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