FAQS
We know that going to see a therapist for the first time can often be because someone is finding life, or an aspect of life, difficult. We aim to make the process of finding and meeting with a therapist as easy as possible.
Here's what you can expect:
When you contact LPCC and leave a message by phone, email or by filling out our online form, we aim for a practitioner to respond to you within 48 hours. The purpose of this is to find out what you are looking for and to refer you to the most suitable and available practitioner. If you have any specific preferences (eg. for a male therapist) please let us know.
The appointed practitioner will contact you directly to arrange a time to meet for an initial session. Our practitioners are based at either 1 Cronton Road, L15 5BB or 60 Rodney Street, Liverpool, L1 9AD.
The first session is a time for you to explore with the practitioner what you are looking for and for you to find out more about what the therapy/counselling will entail. You are never tied into a certain number of sessions.
We acknowledge that it is vital that you have a therapist you feel comfortable with. If you are not satisfied with the therapist you are allocated to in the referral process, you can contact us again via the email address or by phone to discuss it or to simply ask for an alternative therapist, no questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is counselling?
Counselling is usually more short-term than psychotherapy - between 6-12 sessions and is often focused on resolving a specific issue in the here-and-now. Many clients find that the counselling relationship offers them a space in which they can talk about what is bothering them with someone who listens attentively with empathy, respect and curiosity and that this helps them to find new ways of thinking, feeling or behaving. It is a space to express and unravel difficult issues going on inside you or in relationship with others and to open up new possibilities and develop new skills and resources in dealing with reoccurring problems. The counselling process is an active process between you and your therapist rather than something that is ‘done to you’ and will achieve better results if you are actively involved with your therapist in every step of the process. For example, you and your therapist may come up with things you can practice between sessions eg. relaxation exercises, new interests, new ways of thinking, feeling, behaving and relating to yourself and others.
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is usually longer-term than counselling - between 6 months and 5 years. It is a rewarding and exciting venture. Psychotherapy, like counselling, is a therapeutic relationship in which you can talk about and express whatever is on your mind with another person and be heard and understood with empathy and respect. This is healing in itself. Psychotherapy offers you a deeper and longer-term engagement and relationship with your therapist than counselling which can facilitate transformation at a deeper level in the psyche.
Psychotherapy is a joint effort with your therapist which requires you to be willing to be actively involved in every step of the therapy process to get the most out of it. Therapy is not something that is ‘done to you’.
Psychotherapy offers you a space in which you have permission and are invited to be curious, to question and to explore with your therapist old familiar ways of feeling, thinking and behaving that may no longer be working for you or giving you what you need or want in your life. Psychotherapy is a space to self-reflect and develop a deeper self-awareness and understanding of yourself and how you impact others and how they impact you.
Psychotherapy is interested in your story and how your past has shaped you. It is part of your human nature to tell stories and want to make sense of ourselves, others, life and the world we live in. As a part of this process psychotherapy on one hand focuses on exploring, making sense of and healing difficulties, disturbances and unresolved pain from the past, and also on exploring and discussing your skills, strengths, resources and successes. It is a reliable and supportive place in which you can experiment with new ways of relating to yourself and others and learn and practice new skills which often open up new possibilities. You and your therapist might come up with things you can practice between sessions.
Psychotherapy can be challenging and hard work at times as you and your therapist relate to each other and work together to make deeper changes which can feel a bit unsettling, threatening and disorganising. This is why ongoing therapeutic agreements and your relationship with your therapist will be such an important part of your journey as you let go of familiar ways of being and try something unknown and new. Gradually, these new experiences will accumulate to buffer the old familiar patterns and pains to create ground for fresh, more alive stories.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
If you have a lot of flexibility an initial session can often be arranged within 7 – 10 days, depending on yours and the Practitioners’ availability. During busy periods it can take some time for an appointment to become available, especially for evening and weekend sessions. If you feel you require urgent support, please contact your GP.
Can I choose to see either a male or female practitioner?
Yes you can. Please indicate on the contact form if you have a preference.
Can I ask for a particular Practitioner?
Yes you can. Please indicate on the contact form if you have a preference.
How do I know which Practitioner is right for me?
Once you have made an enquiry, a member of the LPCC team will assess your needs and give your contact details to the Practitioner on the team who appears to be most suitable for you with the information you provide. If you have asked for a specific Practitioner and they are not available, then another Practitioner may be recommended to you. We acknowledge that it is vital that you have a therapist you feel comfortable with. If you are not satisfied with the therapist you are allocated to in the referral process, you can contact us again via email/phone to either discuss it or to simply ask for an alternative therapist, no questions asked. If the Practitioner you are allocated to feels they are not best suited to work with you during the initial sessions they will inform you and suggest an alternative person for you so that you get the best support possible.
How long does a session last?
Sessions are for 1 hour.
What happens in the first session?
The initial session is a time for you to talk with the Practitioner about why you have come for therapy and for you both to discuss how you might work together.
What if psychotherapy/counselling isn’t for me?
That’s fine. You are not obligated to agree to any number of sessions. Please let the Practitioner know if you no longer wish to continue.
Do you offer online or telephone sessions?
We offer the option of online (usually Zoom), telephone sessions, or face to face dependant upon Practitioners’ availability and your preference. Face to face work will require an individual risk assessment at the moment due to Covid.
How much does it cost?
Please see ‘Our Services + Fees’ section.
How do I pay?
All payments are made directly to the Practitioner, they will provide you with their bank details in order to make a transfer, or ask you to bring cash or a cheque to the session.