Frequently asked questions

Family therapy is a type of counselling that helps families improve communication, resolve conflicts, and build stronger, healthier relationships. It involves working with a trained therapist who guides family members through open and constructive conversations to address challenges such as parenting issues, relationship conflicts, life transitions, or the impact of mental health conditions. The goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and understood, leading to better problem-solving and emotional well-being for the whole family. Family therapy can be beneficial for families of all shapes and sizes, whether facing a specific crisis or simply wanting to strengthen their bond.

Here are some of the things that a family therapist might do with a family:

• Talk about each person's hopes for their family.
• Encourage everyone in the family to talk about their experiences, and to listen to everyone else.
• Respect and clarify each person's beliefs, values, needs, hopes and assumptions to help them understand each other better.
• Help people to understand the effect their words and actions have on everyone else in the family.
• Explore what each person in the family does well, and what they are most proud of.
• Draw a kind of family tree, called a genogram, to help people think about the different relationships in their family.
• Help families to talk about the challenges they are facing.
• Support families as they work towards their own goals.

In family therapy, the therapist often offers a mixture of individual and family sessions to ensure everyone’s voice is heard and their needs are understood. Typically, the process begins with a one-on-one session with the young person (child) to build trust and gain insight into their perspective. This is usually followed by a separate session with the parents or caregivers to explore their concerns and experiences. Once a strong foundation is established, the therapist then brings the whole family together in joint sessions. This approach helps create a safe and supportive environment where each family member feels comfortable, paving the way for open communication and collaborative problem-solving.

In couples therapy, the therapist often uses a mix of individual and joint sessions to fully understand each partner’s perspective and relationship dynamics. Typically, the process begins with individual sessions with each partner to explore their thoughts, feelings, and personal experiences in a private setting. 

This is followed by joint sessions where both partners come together to work on communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their bond. This approach allows the therapist to gain a deeper understanding of each person while creating a safe, supportive space for open and honest conversations as a couple.

I can offer FACE TO FACE & ONLINE therapy in both English and German language. Sessions can be held face-to-face near Canterbury, UK or online via Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Google Meet or Whats App video call.

I work from a light and spacious therapy office which is a separate building next to my home and has toilet facilities, free parking, a separate entrance and is located 2 miles from Canterbury, UK within easy reach of Faversham, Whitstable, Herne Bay and Margate.

In your first therapy session, we will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and your goals for treatment. We will also talk about your medical history and any current symptoms you may be experiencing.

The frequency of therapy sessions will depend on your individual needs and goals. Many clients attend therapy once a week, while others may attend every two weeks. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan.

For individuals sessions are £60 for a 60-minute session. Couples sessions are £90 for a 75-minute session. Family therapy sessions are £90 for a 75-minute session.

It’s possible to cancel or reschedule an appointment with 48 hours notice. Any cancellation or no-show with less notice will be charged as this allows us to keep the space open for you and your therapist. Please find our cancellation policy within our terms 

All therapy sessions are confidential and trust is of paramount importance to the therapist/client relationship. We adhere strictly to the ethical framework of the BACP and the therapist is fully versed on understanding safety and risk. As is standard in a therapy contract there might be certain circumstances where the therapist may have to consider breaking a client’s confidence for their own safety if for example there is a risk of harm to the client or another. The therapist discusses their caseload in the confidential setting of supervision.