Counselling and therapy are often used interchangeably, but there are some distinctions. Counselling typically focuses on specific issues or transitions in life such as grief, stress management or relationship problems. It tends to be shorter-term and more solution-focused. Therapy, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses a range of approaches aimed at addressing psychological issues and promoting overall well-being. Therapy may delve deeper into underlying psychological patterns stemming from the past and may be longer-term, especially in cases of more complex mental health difficulties.

I offer both short and long-term counselling and psychotherapy. Therapy sessions are scheduled at the same time each week and last 50 minutes.

At the start of therapy it’s not necessary to commit to any length of time or number of sessions. The length of therapy varies according to each client’s individual needs. Some clients may choose to finish therapy once they feel their immediate problem or crisis has been resolved while others may choose to work at a deeper level, tackling difficulties or behaviour patterns that have troubled them for some time.

Regular weekly therapy sessions, whether short or long term, offer the possibility of working to bring about long-lasting and profound change.

During the first session, I will briefly explain my integrative approach to therapy and how I work. I will clarify the confidential nature of the work and ask the client for their date of birth, name of their GP and a list of any mood-related medications they may be taking. I will then invite the client to outline, in any way they wish, their reasons for seeking therapy at this time. We can then discuss what they are hoping to gain from the process.

Towards the end of the session, I will summarise my understanding of the issues they are struggling with and will suggest an initial number of sessions.

Successful therapy occurs within a unique and trusting relationship that builds between client and therapist. For this therapeutic relationship to develop, it’s necessary for the client to feel they are in a welcoming, safe, confidential and non-judgmental space. At first it may seem daunting and difficult to articulate certain feelings or problems. From the first session onwards, I seek to engage the client in a dialogue of patient and sensitive enquiry through which we can approach challenging or painful subjects. I can then provide the support and help so often needed in the journey towards greater self-awareness and self-confidence.

I offer online Zoom sessions and am flexible to work with a combination of in-person and Zoom sessions according to the clients preference each week. Video sessions may form part or the whole of the therapy depending on the client’s location and availability.

I have completed appropriate training in the ethics and practicalities of working with clients in this manner and follow BACP guidelines.

As a registered practitioner, I adhere to the ethical code of confidentiality enforced by the BACP. This includes the responsibility to manage your information confidentially and in line with GDPR. Anything you share will be treated with the strictest confidentiality. I am registered for data protection with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) registration Number: ZB496878.

I offer a free 20-minute introductory Zoom or phone consultation so that you can get a sense of me as a therapist and you can give me an idea of why you are seeking therapy. I will then be able to determine whether I am in a position to help and can answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process. If you then choose to proceed with therapy we can book an initial session.

If you would like to schedule a free 20 minute Zoom or phone introductory consultation please email me at lucyreidpsychotherapy@gmail.com or call +44 (0)7572 990 323 and leave a message.