bestselftherapy.co.uk
Therapy on The Wirral & Online
Therapy Session Information
Frequently Asked Questions
A Few Things You Might Be Wondering
Starting therapy can bring up all sorts of questions, particularly if it’s something you’ve never done before.
Here are a few things people often want to know about how therapy works at Best Self Therapy.
1. What’s the Difference Between Individual and Couples Therapy?
— Individual therapy is about you. It’s your space to explore your thoughts, feelings, experiences and anything that might be troubling you. We might look at anxiety, confidence, past experiences, relationships or patterns that keep showing up in your life.
— Couples therapy is about what’s happening between you. Rather than focusing on one person’s experiences, we explore how you communicate, respond to each other, manage difficulties and experience your relationship. It’s not about deciding who’s right or wrong. It’s about understanding what’s happening between you and exploring what you each need. And couples therapy doesn’t always mean trying to stay together. Sometimes it’s about finding clarity on what comes next.
2. Why Do You Offer a Free Consultation?
Because choosing a therapist is personal, and I don’t think you should have to commit to therapy before we’ve even had a conversation. The free 20-minute consultation gives us a chance to talk briefly about what’s brought you here, what you’re hoping for and whether I might be the right therapist to support you. You can ask questions, find out how I work and get a feel for whether talking with me feels comfortable. It’s also an opportunity for me to consider whether the support you’re looking for is something I can appropriately offer. You don’t need to tell me your whole story, and there’s no obligation to book sessions afterwards.
3. Why Do We Need a Therapy Agreement?
I know — paperwork probably isn’t the most exciting part of starting therapy! But a therapy agreement is important because it makes sure we both understand what to expect from working together. It covers things such as confidentiality, session arrangements, fees, cancellations, professional boundaries and our responsibilities to each other. It’s not about making therapy overly formal or complicated. It’s about having clear expectations from the beginning, so we can focus on the conversations that bring you to therapy. You’ll have the opportunity to read the agreement and ask questions before we begin.
4. Is Everything I Say Confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of therapy. What you share with me is treated with care and in accordance with professional and legal requirements. However, confidentiality isn’t absolute. There are certain circumstances where I may need to share information, such as when there are serious concerns about safety, safeguarding responsibilities or a legal requirement to disclose information.
I also attend regular professional supervision, where I reflect on my work to support safe and ethical practice. Client information is shared only as necessary and handled confidentially. For couples counselling, we’ll also discuss how confidentiality works when two people are attending therapy together, including how information shared individually is managed. I’ll explain the limits of confidentiality in our therapy agreement, so you understand them before we begin.
5. What Is Your Cancellation Policy?
I understand that life doesn’t always go to plan and sometimes appointments need to change. If you need to cancel or rearrange a session, please give at least 24 hours’ notice. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, or missed appointments, are normally charged at the full session fee, in accordance with our therapy agreement. This is because the time has been reserved specifically for you and may not be possible to offer to somebody else at short notice. If something unexpected happens, please get in touch as soon as you can so we can discuss it.
6. Why Are Endings Important in Therapy?
You might wonder why we need to talk about ending therapy rather than simply stopping when you’re ready. Therapy is a relationship in its own right, and endings can sometimes bring up feelings or experiences we weren’t expecting. Having time to reflect on our work together gives us an opportunity to notice what’s changed, what you’ve learned about yourself and what you might want to take forward. It can also give us space to talk about anything that feels unfinished. Some people have experienced difficult or unexpected endings in other relationships, so approaching the ending of therapy thoughtfully can be meaningful. This doesn’t mean you have to continue therapy longer than you want to. You can decide to end therapy, and we’ll aim to make that ending as thoughtful and helpful as possible.
7. Is Online Therapy as Effective as Face-to-Face Therapy?
For many people, yes. Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as face-to-face therapy for a range of common mental health difficulties. But that doesn’t mean one way of working suits everybody. Some people prefer being in the same room as their therapist, away from home and everyday distractions. Others feel more comfortable talking from their own space, particularly if travelling, mobility, work or family commitments make attending in person difficult. For couples, online sessions can also work well, although it’s important that both people can participate comfortably and have appropriate privacy. There are practical things to consider, such as having a confidential space, a reliable internet connection and whether online therapy is suitable for your particular circumstances. Neither option is automatically better. We can talk about what might work best for you during your consultation.
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Still Have a Question?
If there’s something you’re wondering about that I haven’t covered, you’re welcome to get in touch.
Book Your Free 20-Minute Consultation
Or contact me directly:
Email: hello@bestselftherapy.co.uk
Text or WhatsApp: 07743 440664
🌿 Some more things you might be wondering about…
1. How do I know if I need therapy?
You don't have to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Contrary to popular belief, there's no "rock bottom" requirement. You don't need to arrive dramatically announcing, "Everything's on fire!" Many people come because they're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, exhausted, or simply not like themselves. Others come because they want to understand themselves better or they're tired of carrying everything on their own. If something in your life doesn't feel quite right, therapy might be a good place to start.
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2. What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is simply about getting to know each other. We'll talk about what's brought you to therapy, what you'd like to achieve, and any questions or concerns you have. There's no pressure to tell me your whole life story, and you certainly don't have to have everything figured out before you arrive. We'll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
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3. Is it normal to feel nervous before therapy?
Absolutely. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, especially if it's your first experience. Many clients tell me they were anxious before their first session but quickly realised there was nothing to worry about. Feeling nervous doesn't mean therapy isn't right for you. It usually means you're doing something that matters.
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4. What if I don't know what to talk about?
That's completely okay. Many people worry they'll sit in silence wondering what they're supposed to say. The good news is—you don't have to do therapy perfectly. Part of my role is to help guide the conversation. We can simply start with how you're feeling today. Sometimes, "I don't really know why I'm here" turns out to be the perfect place to begin.
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5. What if I talk too much… or not enough?
There's no right amount of talking in therapy. Some people arrive with years of thoughts they've never shared before. Others take time to find the words. Neither is better than the other. And if silence appears? That's okay too. Sometimes the most important moments happen when we're simply sitting with a feeling rather than rushing to explain it.
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6. Will you analyse everything I say?
No. I'm not secretly keeping score every time you mention your mother! Therapy isn't about catching you out or searching for hidden meanings in every sentence. It's about being curious together and helping you understand yourself a little better.
Sometimes the obvious thing is the important thing.
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7. Will you tell me what to do?
Not usually. Therapy isn't about giving advice or telling you how to live your life. Instead, I'll work alongside you to help you understand your thoughts, feelings and experiences so you can make decisions that feel right for you. My role is to support, encourage and gently challenge where appropriate—not to take over your life.
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8. Do I have to talk about my childhood?
Only if it feels helpful. Some people find exploring the past helps make sense of the present. Others prefer to focus on what's happening in their lives now. We'll decide together what feels most useful for you.
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9. What if I cry?
Then you cry. Tissues are available ... I bulk buy from Costco! Absolutely no judgement Crying is a natural response to talking about difficult emotions, and therapy is a safe place where you don't have to apologise for your feelings.
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10. What if I laugh?
Even better. People are often surprised that therapy includes laughter. Life can be painful, but it can also be wonderfully ridiculous. Both things can exist at the same time.
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11. Can I swear?
Absolutely. Therapy isn't school, and I'm not handing out detention slips. Sometimes the only word that truly captures a situation has four letters.
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12. Will you think I'm weird?
Almost certainly not. One of the privileges of being a therapist is discovering just how wonderfully human we all are.
Most people believe they're the only person who thinks, feels or worries the way they do. They're usually not.
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13. What if I'm terrible at talking about feelings?
You're not alone. Many people arrive saying exactly that. You don't need to speak fluent "emotion" before you come to therapy. We'll work it out together.
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14. Can therapy help if I don't have a mental health diagnosis?
Absolutely. Many people come to therapy without any diagnosis at all. You might be struggling with stress, burnout, relationships, grief, confidence, life changes, or simply feeling that something isn't quite right. You don't need a label to deserve support.
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15. Can therapy help if everyone else thinks I'm coping?
Yes. Sometimes the people who appear to be holding everything together are carrying the heaviest load. You don't have to wait until everyone notices you're struggling before asking for help.
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16. How many therapy sessions will I need?
There's no set number. Some people come for a few sessions to work through a particular issue, while others choose longer-term therapy. We'll regularly review how things are going and decide together what feels right for you. Therapy isn't a lifetime subscription.
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17. Is online therapy as effective as face-to-face therapy?
For many people, yes. Research suggests that online therapy can be just as effective as in-person therapy for many concerns.
Some people appreciate the comfort of talking from home, while others prefer meeting face to face. The best option is the one that feels most comfortable and accessible for you.
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18. Will therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?
Sometimes talking about difficult experiences can stir up emotions you've been carrying quietly for a long time. That doesn't mean therapy is making things worse. Often it's part of understanding and processing what's been weighing you down. We'll always go at a pace that feels manageable.
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19. Can I stop therapy whenever I want?
Yes. Therapy is your choice, and you're free to stop whenever you feel ready. If possible, it's often helpful to have a final session to reflect on your journey and bring things to a thoughtful close—but the decision is always yours.
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20. Can I come to therapy just to understand myself better?
Absolutely. Therapy isn't only for difficult times. It can also be a place to reflect, grow, understand patterns, build confidence and reconnect with the person you'd like to be.
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21. Is therapy really worth it?
Only you can decide that. But many people tell me they wish they'd started sooner—not because therapy magically fixes everything, but because they stop carrying everything on their own. Sometimes having one hour where you don't have to pretend you're okay can make more difference than you ever imagined.
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22. What if I'm not sure therapy is right for me?
That's completely understandable. Starting therapy is a big decision, and it's important that it feels right for you.
🌿 In Therapy - You don’t have to figure everything out alone
Sometimes one of the most powerful parts of therapy is having a space where someone really listens.
A space where your experiences matter.
A space where you can say the things you usually keep inside.
A space where you can reconnect with yourself and start creating a life that feels more like yours.
... with Delyth Cole