Why come to therapy? 

There are many reasons why people come to therapy. Often, they feel they need a little help and support during a difficult period in their life, or to learn new ways of overcoming challenging times. It may be that they have experienced a significant or traumatic life event, such as the loss of a loved one, a relationship or a job, that negatively impacts on their mental health and ability to function on a daily basis. Dealing with these powerful emotions can be overwhelming but therapy can help to work through this grief and loss.  

​

For others, they may be experiencing anxiety, depression, unexpected mood swings or have trouble sleeping and want to work through their issues which cause their distress. It may also be that a person is having difficulties in their romantic or family relationships and benefits from the help of a therapist who provides a safe space for them to express their feelings and concerns. Or it could be that you are feeling isolated, alone, sad, frustrated, losing control over your life, or you just need dedicated time, within a secure, confidential environment to talk to someone who understands and validates your feelings. 

 

How do people benefit from therapy? 

Everyday life can be stressful and sometimes overwhelming with everyone experiencing some difficulty or distress at some point in their lives. Therapy is suitable for anyone that is facing problems, who simply just wants a dedicated person to talk to or even to understand themselves better thus improving their wellbeing. We all have bad habits, but sometimes we need help to manage these or learn healthy coping skills to better deal with our problems. Therapy can help you to gain insight into yourself, why you act or emotionally respond to situations or people in the way you do and what your triggers are. This is powerful to improve interpersonal relationships and social interactions. Therapy can build your self-confidence, bring about a sense of hope and comfort or provide you with a sense of relief. It can also inspire and motivate you to make changes in your life or to get outside your comfort zone.  

 

Of course, as with any intervention, there are some risks associated with therapy. It is not uncommon for clients to experience discomfort, anger, sadness, worry, fear, etc., or anxiety or depression as you remember and talk about painful or unpleasant events, thoughts and feelings. However, for people who actively engage it's been shown to have many benefits. There are times when change will occur quickly, but it can be slow or even frustrating. Nevertheless, there is no guarantee that psychotherapy and counselling will have positive or intended results.  

 

How do I make an appointment or find out more?  

The easiest way to make an appointment or to find out more information is to contact me via the contact form, or send me an email directly (judebradley.mgr@gmail.com). You can also call or text me on +420 775 657 874. I won’t answer any calls while in session but leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

​

What can I expect at my first session? 

The first session (in-person or online via Google Meets as you prefer) is a consultation where you will likely do most of the talking about yourself and what has brought you to therapy. I may ask questions to better understand you and your current circumstances and you will also have the opportunity to ask me any questions relating to the therapy process or to alleviate any fears or concerns you may have. It is normal to experience feelings of nervousness, anxiety or even embarrassment when you first attend but I understand and I will do my best to make you feel welcomed and at ease. I will treat you with respect and be empathetic to what you are going through, so that I can create a secure environment where you feel comfortable talking to me. 

 

Before the end of the session, I will give you some feedback relating to what you have shared with me. We will discuss possible steps we can take if you wish to attend therapy regularly and if I believe you would benefit from it. You do not have to decide in this moment whether you would like to come back, you are free to think about it at home, and if you do wish to continue, you can reach out to me by email or phone.  

​

How long is one session and how often do I have to come? 

The first session is a 50-minute consultation so I can begin to understand the issues that have brought you to therapy. Typically, we would then schedule once-weekly session lasting 50-minutes. The frequency may vary, perhaps more sessions to begin with and longer intervals between sessions (once or twice monthly), towards the end. We will talk through your options together and decide on the one you feel most comfortable. Of course, you are free to terminate your therapy at any time you chose.  There is also the option to have 80-minute sessions.

​

How many sessions do I need? 

The therapy process can vary for each person and often depends on your particular presenting problem or your own personal goals you wish to achieve or difficulties you want to overcome. It may be a brief consultation if you have a specific concern you want to address in the immediate, or it may be short-term counselling to address and guide you through a number of issues you are currently experiencing to relieve distress. Alternatively, you may go through psychotherapy which is a longer process that focuses on recurrent often chronic problems, which hinder your mental wellbeing and functioning. We will work together to determine which form of therapy best suits your personal needs.  

​

Will the things I talk about in therapy be kept private? 

The golden rule of therapy is that whatever is talked about in session, stays in session, even the fact that you are/ were attending will not be disclosed. This is so that you feel comfortable to talk freely and openly with me. I will only break confidentiality when I am legally obliged to do so in circumstances where a person is a danger to themselves or to others. I adhere strictly to the highest ethical principles of European Federation of Psychological Associations (EFPA).