Who should consider therapy?
People who want to change some aspect of their lives or better understand themselves could benefit from therapy. In therapy, a skilled professional creates a safe and supportive place for you to explore who you are, work on solving your problems, and build your strengths.
Therapy helps people cope with difficult life events such as divorce or loss of loved ones. It also helps them manage and overcome emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, low self-esteem, or substance abuse. Furthermore, therapy helps people heal from deeply entrenched pain and long-standing problems resulting from abuse, trauma, and other debilitating circumstances.
What happens during the first therapy session?
The first therapy session gives us the opportunity to exchange information and learn about your needs. I may ask you questions about your physical and emotional health and gather basic information such as age, marital status, and profession. You can ask me questions about my approach to therapy, credentials, and experience; structure of therapy sessions; goals for your treatment; and anything else that comes to mind.
It might, however, take a few sessions for us to fully understand your circumstances and issues and determine the best course of action.
What can I expect from therapy?
Our goal is to help you feel better, stronger, and more capable of solving your problems and achieving your goals. To this end, we will work together to identify and understand areas of your life that are causing you pain and distress. We will also work to help you develop ways of effectively coping with and alleviating these problems. I will encourage you to talk about your thoughts and feelings as well as the behaviors, ways of thinking, and belief systems that affect your life.
It may be difficult to talk about these manners, but we will work at your pace. You do not have to open up about things until you feel ready to do so. I will support you in this process and help you understand and deal with painful and difficult emotions, memories, circumstances, and problems.
Talking about your problems can be scary, and you may experience intense emotions. You may cry, become upset, or have angry outbursts during your sessions, but you will be in a compassionate setting – safe from criticism. Sometimes you may feel both physically and emotionally drained after a session. We will develop ways to help you cope with the physical and emotional affects of therapy.
How long can I expect to be in therapy?
The number of sessions per week and duration of your therapy depends on many factors including the following:
- Severity of your symptoms
- The kinds of situations you are dealing with
- The kinds of emotional or psychological problems you are experiencing
- Length of time that you’ve had the problems
- The level of stress you’re dealing with
- The degree to which your problems interfere with daily life
- The amount of resources and support from others
- Speed of your progress
- Cost and insurance factors
An individual’s circumstances play a large factor in the length of therapy. For example, a person going through a divorce may only need therapy for a few months to cope with this difficult life change. In contrast, a person who has suffered with depression and anxiety since childhood because of trauma and abuse will need considerably more therapy.
We will assess the factors and circumstances that caused you to seek therapy and discuss treatment options including length of therapy. Therapy is a fluid process that can be adjusted to meet your needs as we progress.
How do I select the right therapist for me?
You should consider the therapist’s level of training, registration with professional bodies, experience treating clients with similar problems to yours, treatment approach, and communication style.
Another important factor to consider is whether the therapist is a good match for you. You want a therapist who understands you, is caring and empathetic, and has a personality you can relate to. The two of you will build a relationship in which you will share some of the most personal aspects of yourself and life. Therefore, it is important to choose a therapist who you like and feel good about and who likes and feels good about you.
The therapist’s fees, hours, location, and payment options may also influence your decision.
What kinds of therapy do you offer?
I provide individual and group therapy for adults as well as couples therapy for married people, domestic partners, engaged people, and other couples.
How can group therapy help me?
Most of our psychological difficulties were created through our interactions with others, in contexts such as family, school and peer relationships. Therapy groups provide us with a similar relational setting in which we may begin to successfully deal with our issues. We are supported in trying out new ways of being and relating, and we receive immediate feedback. With the genuine and supportive communication that develops, we may learn how we appear to others and what impact we have in interpersonal relationships. This may help us relate better both in the group and everyday life situations.
How will you protect my privacy?
Everything we discuss in therapy is confidential, unless there is a risk of serious harm to oneself or others.
What are your fees?
Sessions for individuals and couples last 50 minutes and are charged at £60 per session in Brixton and £77 per session in London Bridge. Group sessions, which are 1 hour and 45 minutes, cost £60 per session. Skype and phone sessions are also £60 per session.
Payments can be made with cash or cheque, via bank transfer, or through the online booking system with PayPal. Appointments that are cancelled 48 hours in advance do not incur a fee.
How can I contact you?
I can be reached at +44 (0)7968850339 or stathi_anthopoulos@me.com. You can also book sessions via my web site.