What you may want to know before starting therapy.

Psychotherapy is a professional process that helps a person understand their emotions, thoughts and behaviours, develop ways of coping with life’s difficulties and express themselves in healthier ways. It takes place within a relationship based on trust, confidentiality and collaboration between therapist and client. The aim is not only to ease symptoms, but also to transform how a person relates to themselves and to others. By making sense of past experiences and present emotional responses, the person can rediscover inner resources and live their own story in a more integrated and meaningful way.

Psychotherapy is not limited to people with a particular mental-health diagnosis. It can be helpful for anyone facing difficult emotions, relationship conflicts or recurring patterns of thought. People who want to understand themselves, express emotions, establish healthier boundaries or recognise how earlier experiences shape the present may benefit. It can also support those living with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, indecision or a loss of meaning and direction.

Yes. Psychotherapy is an evidence-based form of treatment. Regular attendance, trust in the therapeutic relationship and openness to the process strengthen its effect. Because every person’s history and needs are different, the work is shaped individually. The purpose is not only symptom relief, but a deeper understanding of oneself, one’s relationships and one’s life.

Therapy begins by establishing a relationship based on trust. Early sessions focus on understanding your reason for seeking support, your life history and your expectations. Sessions are generally held once a week at an agreed day and time. Over time, you may begin to connect earlier experiences with present emotional responses and develop greater awareness of relationships and self-perception. The length and focus of therapy vary according to individual needs and goals.

The duration depends on each person’s history, needs and the depth of the issues they bring. Short-term supportive work may be enough for some, while for others therapy becomes a longer-term space for inner work. A psychodynamic approach seeks not only to remove a symptom, but to understand recurring patterns in the self and in relationships. Duration is reviewed together as the sessions progress.

Yes. Research indicates that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy in many circumstances. The therapeutic relationship rests on an emotional and reflective connection between two people rather than on location alone; trust, confidentiality and depth can therefore also be established online. It can be a strong option for people whose work, location, travel or other circumstances make in-person sessions difficult.

Confidentiality is fundamental to the therapeutic relationship. Information shared in sessions is protected under ethical principles and professional confidentiality. A therapist does not share a client’s identity, personal information or session content with third parties. The limits of confidentiality apply only where there is a serious risk of harm to the person or someone else, or where disclosure is legally required.

Therapy may explore difficult or recurring themes, emotional experiences and relationship patterns. Topics can include everyday stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, the influence of past experiences on present feelings, self-perception, guilt, anger, grief, worthlessness and recurring thought patterns. Psychodynamic therapy is interested not only in what happened, but also in why and how it is experienced.

A wish to speak about, understand or change something in your life is enough to begin. The process usually starts with an initial consultation. While the therapist seeks to understand your reasons, expectations and needs, you can notice how comfortable and safe you feel in the relationship. If the therapeutic fit feels right for both sides, sessions continue regularly at an agreed time.

The Gottman Method is a research-based therapeutic approach that helps couples understand relationship difficulties, improve communication and rebuild trust.

It can be helpful with communication problems, recurring arguments, loss of trust, jealousy, sexual difficulties, emotional distance or a wish to strengthen the relationship.

No. The therapist remains equally attentive to both partners. The aim is to create a fair and balanced basis for communication within the relationship.

Initial meetings assess the couple’s relationship history, strengths and areas of difficulty. The work then uses techniques suited to the couple’s needs to develop communication skills and support relationship repair.

The number of sessions varies according to the couple’s needs. A few months of regular meetings may be sufficient for some couples, while others choose longer-term support.

No. Gottman Method Couples Therapy is suitable both for couples facing serious difficulties and for those who want to make an already functioning relationship healthier and stronger.