Frequently Asked Questions about Private Therapy

The first therapy session is called an ‘initial assessment’. The initial assessment provides an opportunity for you to meet your therapist and to ‘get a feel’ for them – do you feel comfortable talking to them? Your therapist will ask you a number of questions in this first session as they build a picture of your life – what it is you’re struggling with, how you might like your life to be different and what type of support you might benefit from. Your therapist will ask about things that make the problem better or worse and how your daily life is impacted. Towards the end of the first session, your therapist will advise whether they believe you would be a ‘good fit’ to work together. If so, they will recommend the type of therapy they believe would be best suited to your needs.

If you choose to see your therapist in person, you will meet in our bright, airy therapy rooms in Fulham, South-West London. The full address is: Hurlingham Studios, Ranelagh Gardens, Fulham, London SW6 3PA. If you choose to meet your therapist remotely, we ask that you find a space where you can speak openly and have privacy from others.

This varies from person to person and really depends upon your reasons for coming to therapy. We suggest a minimum of 6 sessions but being open to more, depending how much of your life you’d like to look into and keeping in mind how long it has been that you’ve been struggling. Clients often choose to come for 6-18 sessions to look at one specific problem and are always welcome to return to therapy at a later date if they find they’d like to speak about other aspects of their life or other problems that have arisen since.

Yes, matters discussed in therapy sessions are confidential but therapists may take notes and keep records about the clients they see. These notes are kept securely. Your therapist will discuss confidentiality with you and any legal limitations to confidentiality in your first session. Sharing information with your G.P., Psychiatrist or referrer can improve the care you receive and lead to better results. Sometimes, we may need to contact your G.P. or Psychiatrist but we will always strive to discuss this with you first and will only do so with your best interests in mind.

To achieve the best results, we recommend that you attend your therapy sessions weekly and the same time will be reserved for you to see your therapist each week. If you do not commit to regular therapy sessions then your therapist may not be able to keep seeing you – we want to provide the best level of care and do ask that you commit to attending booked sessions.

Each individual therapy session runs for 50 minutes. Please keep in mind that you may need some quiet time or space once a session has finished. Consider taking a walk or having some time alone before returning straight to work, to the family or to other commitments.

All payments are due at least 48 hrs before your session. We accept payment by card (via Stripe), or BACS (bank transfer). If paying via BACS, please use the details below: Account name: Vitus Wellbeing Account no: 53737373 Sort code: 20-90-74 Reference: (Your therapist's initials) (Your initials)+(Date of session) Please send BACS payments at least 48 hours before the session is scheduled to start. For more information about our Fees, please see our ‘Fees’ page.

Sessions with our therapists are all conducted via Zoom, unless your software or technology is incompatible. In this case, discuss this with your therapist and you can agree an alternative package to use.

Although we do not specify you must use the video function, it is far easier to build trust and a relationship with your therapist when you can see one another. Our therapists benefit from seeing your expressions and body language when you communicate with one another and we know there is a real benefit to you in seeing your therapist and their expressions too. Sessions can be conducted via telephone if needed (with no video connection) but we would always suggest trying to meet with the video function from time to time if possible. Our therapists all practice with compassion and understanding and will not force you to work in a way that makes you uncomfortable.

Therapy durations vary, but on average, individuals attend for several months to a year. It really depends on your individual needs and specific goals. Some clients seek practical support with one very specific problem (which may just require a few weeks to a few months of support), whereas others wish to explore their past in greater depth or increase their own self-knowledge, which will take more time. We’re pleased to work with each client on their specific goals, so can adapt the therapy to suit. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Yes, counselling is incredibly effective for children - Our child-focused therapy is designed to help each child navigate complex emotions and challenges. Our compassionate approach empowers children to express themselves, build resilience, grow in confidence, and develop crucial emotional skills for their future. Our specialist team adapts their approach to suit each child, sometimes incorporating play therapy, art therapy or drama skills to help them express themselves however they feel comfortable. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

Children are resilient and expressing emotional upset is a normal and healthy way of being. However, sometimes a child can feel overwhelmed for a prolonged period and start to display some unhealthy behaviour that can affect their functioning and potentially their emotional and social development. If a parent is feeling stuck and worried for a prolonged period about their child’s emotional well-being it is important to reach out for support. It could be a physical, emotional or behavioural sign that presents persistently, despite their input and is causing them a significant amount of distress. Examples of physical distress or symptoms might include a sudden change in a child’s eating habits - continuous dieting, binge eating or purging or a sudden change in their sleeping patterns - waking up through the night regularly and persistently or struggling to fall asleep at night. Behaviour distress could include extreme tantrums, repetitive behaviour, aggression, or self-harm. Emotional symptoms of distress might include prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy along with excessive negative self–talk. It could be that a child is isolating themselves from friends and family, is withdrawn (showing no emotion) or is finding it hard to regulate their emotions (crying a lot and unable to stop). These are all common signs that a child would likely benefit from seeing a therapist. Other instances where a child might benefit from therapy are when they are struggling with their concentration or their behaviour at school. It could be that they are getting into trouble more so than usual or that a teacher has expressed concerns for their wellbeing. Answered by Suzanne Becker - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

‘Therapy’ sounds scary! I try to make the experience as unintimidating and comfortable as possible by opening up the therapeutic space and letting the child take the lead. They should come to therapy because they want to, and they should feel safe and heard. The introductory session is very relaxed – young clients may wish to talk or play with creative materials. The important thing is for them to sense the possibilities of the therapeutic relationship – to believe they can share their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgemental, confidential, safe space with an adult who truly believes in their potential. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

Yes, on top of the emotional support a psychotherapist can offer, a qualified professional can also help a client with ADHD to develop their awareness of how we impact each other, manage anger, and improve organizational skills and time management. Specialist therapy can also help to resolve thinking distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of limited options. ADHD is often misunderstood and seen only for the negative impact it may have on someone’s life. A trained therapist can help someone with ADHD to discover their strengths, and the ways in which their diagnosis can really help them in the future. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

An effective course of CBT can significantly improve the symptoms of ADHD - it can aid executive function and help ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, which are often linked to an ADHD diagnosis. However, CBT is limited in that it focuses purely on symptom management and doesn’t look at the root cause of someone’s difficulties, or the other ways in which they can improve their situation or be personally empowered. We prefer to work in an ‘integrative’ way – this is a theoretical approach to psychotherapy that allows us to ‘integrate’ teachings from CBT with teachings from other modalities. This also allows us to build a stronger bond between the client and their therapist, and truly support someone’s emotions as well as their cognition. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

Family therapy is highly effective in addressing children's mental health concerns within the wider family dynamic. At Vitus Wellbeing, we tailor our approach to suit the unique dynamics of each family. Family therapy recognises that a child's wellbeing is deeply connected to the home environment, so invites all family members to participate in the therapy sessions. Our skilled therapists work collaboratively with the child and their family members to create a supportive and helpful space for all. Through this process, we aim to identify and address the child's challenges as well as the family's overall dynamics and communication patterns that may be contributing to difficulties or blockages at home. Family therapy encourages open dialogue, empathy, and understanding among family members. It helps children and parents alike to feel heard and supported while each family member learns valuable skills to assist one another in their journey to better mental health. Our approach is holistic, aiming to strengthen the entire family unit and promote lasting positive change in the family’s life. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

Families can support their children by being supportive ‘containers’ and by fully seeing and hearing them. Children need our time and reflective capacity: listen and help them to name their emotions and reassure them that you are there for them. Develop structure and routine, do fun things, create memories and boost their self esteem. Notice changes in behaviour, and seek support from others if you are worried. Allow children to experience their feelings – don’t downplay what they tell you as they are the author of their own stories! Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

Positive signs of your child benefiting from therapy include improved behaviour, better emotional regulation, and enhanced communication skills. They may also seem calmer and better able to manage stressful situations. Our experienced child therapists will closely monitor your child’s progress and provide guidance to you, when appropriate and beneficial. Our team will do all they can to nurture your child's emotional wellbeing and development. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

As with any typical child, therapy can support a child with autism’s emotional wellbeing. Repeatedly I see children and teenagers that are burdened with the idea that something is ‘wrong’ with them and that they need ‘fixing’ on top of having to cope with the struggles that come with existing in a system that does not yet fully acknowledge their differences. Therapy can be adjusted to a child with autism's thinking style, strengths, and difficulties, as with any other child! Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference and I firmly believe there needs to be more awareness of the positive and negative effects a diagnosis can have. Common difficulties some of the children I see with autism present with include, stress, social anxiety, worry, managing distressing emotions, angry feelings, navigating friendships, learning to manage change and uncertainty, developing social skills, and building self-confidence, alongside acceptance and understanding of an autism diagnosis itself. In my 10 years plus working with children with autism, play therapy alongside adapted cognitive behaviour therapy has been an effective approach that enables a child with autism a more flexible way of seeing the world. Although children with autism have great strengths they can also struggle with the effects of literal thinking and sensory sensitivity. A collaborative systemic approach is imperative for children with autism to feel fully supported. This removal of the responsibility away from the child and onto the system reiterates the logic that there is nothing ‘wrong’ or needed to be fixed inside the child and contributes to their esteem. It also highlights that the world needs to adjust and adapt to the many different intelligent and unique minds there are and how important it is to nurture these minds in the school system rather than stress them out with unrealistic expectations. During my practice, I had a conversation with a teacher who was unsure of how to support a child with autism in their class. The child was struggling with self-deprecating verbal rituals affecting their self-esteem and confidence. Without this conversation, the distressing behaviour that had been understood and resolved at home would have continued at school and caused the child and possibly their peers' further distress. Children with autism can struggle to generalise their learning due to their particularly literal outlook, so this systemic approach is important to help create support and change. Although there is more awareness around neurodiversity today, the intricate elements related to multiple levels of stress are less understood and so I have found this conversational approach across systems to be extremely helpful for the children I have supported. Answered by Suzanne Becker - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

Yes, absolutely. Therapy for young children is tailored to their developmental stage and specific needs. Our child therapists are skilled in creating a safe and welcoming environment where children can express themselves through play, art, and age-appropriate activities. These approaches allow young children to engage in therapy comfortably, promoting emotional growth and wellbeing. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

A child’s behaviour can be influenced by a huge range of factors, including their developmental stage, emotions, environment or events. Our therapists are trained to assess the root causes of any challenging behaviours. Through therapy, we aim to understand your child's unique needs and difficulties, developing tailored strategies to address these issues effectively. Our goal is to support your child in developing healthier behaviours and coping mechanisms, leading to improved overall wellbeing for the child and for the wider family. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

I’ve worked with some children for numerous years, and others for just a few weeks. It really depends on the difficulties they’re facing, how long they’ve had these troubles, and how long it takes to build an open, trusting therapeutic relationship together. As a general rule, the longer the course of therapy, the greater and the more long-lasting the benefits. The minimum number of sessions I’d recommend for any child would be six. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Children Sharing options

In order to engage a reluctant teenager in therapy, I’d suggest a lot of patience and understanding. It may be difficult for them to seek help, or to see the benefit of talking to someone they deem a stranger. We’ll take time to get to know your teen, talking about their interests, introducing humour and building a relationship before asking anything too challenging. Our therapists specialise in working with adolescents and use techniques tailored to their needs, their characters and their difficulties. We respect their autonomy, build trust, and try to align therapy with their interests. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adolescents and Teens Sharing options

Teenage years are often challenging, but life for teens right now is tougher than ever. Social media, academic pressure and COVID-19 have all created uncertainty and teens are surrounded by noise and ideas about who they are and how they should behave. This can create frustration and anger and relationships can suffer as a result. Teenagers often benefit from a safe space outside family, friends or school, where they can talk about their thoughts and feelings, and unpick what is going on for them. This doesn’t mean they have a mental health problem: they just have a lot to process as they progress through adolescence and develop into adults. Just sharing thoughts with an empathic, non-judgemental adult can provide enormous relief and create a new sense of optimism. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adolescents and Teens Sharing options

Exposure response treatment is excellent for reducing phobias such as dog or spider phobias in therapy. It is a measured and systematic approach to helping a person overcome their fears. However, I would say a more practical approach for a parent to help reduce their child’s fear of exams would include helping them to prepare for the exam well in advance, through active learning strategies such as mind maps and mnemonics as well as practising exam techniques in real life exam settings. Most schools and universities will have a student support service where they will have exam technique sessions that aim to teach children good study strategies. Ensure to take advantage of these resources early in the year. Exploring a child’s learning style – are they stronger visually, auditory or both? Recording a child verbalising the answers to exam questions can really help reinforce their learning if they are strong auditory learners. A good indicator of an auditory learner could be that they have a musical ear. A great book to introduce mind maps to primary school children is Tony Buzan’s Mind Maps for Kids. He has some great specialist subject advice. Describing how to take notes in all the primary subjects to help children to memorise, retain and recall the information more efficiently and fluently. If a parent has a concern regarding a learning difference, my advice is to act quickly and seek help from a professional. Have the child assessed by an educational psychologist for specific learning differences such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, ADD or ADHD. Getting the right support in place for this is crucial for a child’s learning and mental wellbeing. A good place to start if a parent thinks their child has learning differences is the British dyslexia association https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/ and https://www.dyslexialondon.org/ which have several resources and signposts for assessments. Basic care: It is important to ensure a child gets enough sleep, has regular meals with lots of good fat and protein in every meal and is well hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks and snacks to avoid blood sugar levels rising and dropping quickly. Study snacks that contain animal protein such as cheese bacon or nuts are a great source of study fuel! Avoid caffeine and energy drinks that contain caffeine because they increase anxiety. Include regular aerobic exercise to release tension. Answered by Suzanne Becker - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adolescents and Teens Sharing options

CBT has been shown to be the most effective therapy to help reduce anxiety and manage panic. It teaches different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to feelings associated with panic. This type of therapy will depend on the person's level of engagement, and it requires commitment. It could be that the supportive relationship itself, and having a space to talk helps reduce the intensity of panic. However, problem solving, and supportive proactive strategies are proven strategies to help reduce anxiety and associated panic. Important lifestyle changes to help manage panic include regular relaxation exercises such as mindfulness - deep breathing or meditation such as progressive muscle relaxation, regular physical exercise such as a 20 minute walk every morning and reducing stimulants including caffeine, sugar, nicotine, or alcohol. Acknowledging and expressing feelings safely, adopting core beliefs & self-talk which promote calm and self-acceptance. Understanding panic is a natural fight or flight reaction and that it cannot do you any harm is important to manage it. Panic attacks usually subside after about 2 minutes. The physical reaction is controlled by our thoughts and interrupting the thought interrupts the panic. If your child experiences a panic attack get them to engage in deep breathing exercises (this will reduce the symptoms) and mental distraction tasks. i.e., counting backwards in 7’s, relating the function of items, recalling a recently read book or watched movie, sensory mindfulness technique - listing 5 things can see, hear, touch, feel, smell and taste. If your child experiences panic during exams, teach them how to do a blank answer plan. This is for older children doing GCSEs, A-levels or university exams. Dissect the title, list content words and connections in the margin, allocate process words to appropriate paragraphs and add keywords, content words, authors, and evidence. Note conclusions. Now start writing. Answered by Suzanne Becker - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adolescents and Teens Sharing options

Yes, on top of the emotional support a psychotherapist can offer, a qualified professional can also help a client with ADHD to develop their awareness of how we impact each other, manage anger, and improve organizational skills and time management. Specialist therapy can also help to resolve thinking distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of limited options. ADHD is often misunderstood and seen only for the negative impact it may have on someone’s life. A trained therapist can help someone with ADHD to discover their strengths, and the ways in which their diagnosis can really help them in the future. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adolescents and Teens Sharing options

An effective course of CBT can significantly improve the symptoms of ADHD - it can aid executive function and help ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, which are often linked to an ADHD diagnosis. However, CBT is limited in that it focuses purely on symptom management and doesn’t look at the root cause of someone’s difficulties, or the other ways in which they can improve their situation or be personally empowered. We prefer to work in an ‘integrative’ way – this is a theoretical approach to psychotherapy that allows us to ‘integrate’ teachings from CBT with teachings from other modalities. This also allows us to build a stronger bond between the client and their therapist, and truly support someone’s emotions as well as their cognition. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adolescents and Teens Sharing options

Therapy can be highly effective for panic disorder. I’d recommend an integrative approach to treating panic – this means your therapist should integrate different skills and teachings to help you understand and manage your panic. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is especially useful for learning coping mechanisms to help you when panic hits, but I’d also recommend digging a bit deeper to understand the root cause(s). A skilled therapist will want to explore when your panic began, and any difficult events from your past that may be contributing to how you feel today. Once you’re feeling more stable, they may suggest exposure therapy, so you grow the confidence needed to face your triggers without experiencing the same setbacks. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Panic disorder involves repeated panic attacks, which create anxiety and can be very distressing. They take an emotional toll and often prompt a change in behaviour, as the sufferer worries about the possibility of attacks – when and where they might take place. Panic disorder is most effectively treated holistically – looking at the underlying causes and trying to understand the triggers for panic attacks. Therapy can help with this – an experienced therapist can help the sufferer to look back and see any patterns in behaviour, the underlying reasons for anxiety, and the roots of the disorder. A therapist can help the sufferer experience the physical sensations of panic in a safe and controlled environment and help them to learn healthier ways of coping. The disorder may never go away, but it can certainly be brought under control under the guidance of an attuned, empathic therapist. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Common signs that you may benefit from therapy include having persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, difficulty coping with life changes, persistent low moods, strained relationships, and a feeling of hopelessness. Therapy is incredibly versatile and can effectively treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety disorders (such as generalised anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, OCD and imposter syndrome), trauma-related disorders (such as PTSD), eating disorders, addictions, and more. It's also beneficial for managing stress, improving self-esteem, and enhancing your overall emotional wellbeing. Our integrative approach to psychotherapy adapts to your individual needs. Our skilled therapists work with you through the specific challenges you're facing and they’ll create a tailored plan that will foster growth and resilience, and ultimately lead to a healthier, happier life. Whether you're dealing with a specific disorder or struggling with life's many challenges, therapy can provide valuable support and the tools required for positive change. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Counselling, or therapy, isn't just talking; it's a compassionate, structured process towards achieving positive change. Therapy offers a safe space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a trained professional who can guide you towards better emotional wellbeing. When talking to your friends or family, you may find they struggle with what to say, offer their opinions or judgements, or end up sharing their own experiences with you. Talking to a therapist is very different. Your therapist wants to understand what it’s like to be you, so they’ll ask about your experiences and how they’ve shaped you. They’ll use this knowledge to offer feedback, support, inquiry, or interpretations to help you grow and develop into a happier, healthier person. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

If anxiety is affecting your relationships, work, or daily life, therapy can be immensely beneficial. A skilled therapist can help you recognise the signs, understand your triggers, and equip you with the right coping strategies. We're here to provide the support you need to regain control and feel at ease. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Imposter syndrome can be emotionally distressing, but it's not a formal mental illness. It's a common struggle where self-doubt creeps in, making you feel like a fraud despite your achievements. Imposter syndrome is a manifestation of anxiety, which is often rooted in events from your past, or wounds from your relationships. Our therapists are experienced in helping individuals navigate these feelings, providing support, and building confidence to overcome imposter syndrome. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Yes, on top of the emotional support a psychotherapist can offer, a qualified professional can also help a client with ADHD to develop their awareness of how we impact each other, manage anger, and improve organizational skills and time management. Specialist therapy can also help to resolve thinking distortions that lead to negative moods and the perception of limited options. ADHD is often misunderstood and seen only for the negative impact it may have on someone’s life. A trained therapist can help someone with ADHD to discover their strengths, and the ways in which their diagnosis can really help them in the future. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

An effective course of CBT can significantly improve the symptoms of ADHD - it can aid executive function and help ease symptoms of anxiety or depression, which are often linked to an ADHD diagnosis. However, CBT is limited in that it focuses purely on symptom management and doesn’t look at the root cause of someone’s difficulties, or the other ways in which they can improve their situation or be personally empowered. We prefer to work in an ‘integrative’ way – this is a theoretical approach to psychotherapy that allows us to ‘integrate’ teachings from CBT with teachings from other modalities. This also allows us to build a stronger bond between the client and their therapist, and truly support someone’s emotions as well as their cognition. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Yes, therapy can be incredibly effective in treating anxiety. I’d recommend integrative psychotherapy for anyone who is struggling with anxiety. This means working with a practitioner who will integrate elements of CBT with elements of psychodynamic or humanistic therapy. Our skilled therapists work with you to uncover the root causes of your anxiety while providing practical strategies to manage the day-to-day challenges. Such a holistic approach helps you to alleviate your symptoms while gaining a deeper understanding of your triggers. Through engaging in integrative therapy, you’ll become more resilient, confident and self-aware, and see your anxiety lessen over time. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Talking therapies are the most effective therapies for stress. Knowing what happens to your mind and body in stressful moments can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and learn how to change them to reduce stress. For example, mindfulness-based therapies combine mindfulness techniques (such as meditation and breathing exercises) with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which will teach you how to manage your thoughts and how they make you feel. We always recommend digging a little deeper when you come to psychotherapy – so you can understand the root cause of your stress and not just treat its symptoms. We’ll work together to explore your past so we can understand the path that’s led you to become so stressed. We would then support you to make the changes needed in your life to reduce your stress and feel more in control going forward. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

For individuals struggling with people-pleasing, integrative psychotherapy is key. Our therapists employ a comprehensive approach that delves into the underlying reasons for your people-pleasing while helping you to manage it in your day-to-day life. Through working with us, you'll learn how to assert yourself clearly but kindly, while gaining insights into the origins of your people-pleasing. Through engaging in regular therapy sessions, you’ll foster healthier self-esteem and improve the quality of your communications and relationships with others. We’ll help you to set healthy boundaries and lead a happier life, doing more of the things that serve you without harming those around you. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

That’s just it they ‘cope’ or try their best to - staying in a state of ‘freeze’, feeling paralysed to move on. I see a lot of adults who feel easily triggered by things in their life, or who spend a lot of their time avoiding anything that may remind them of their childhood trauma. As a therapist, I appreciate how frightening it is for many to revisit unpleasant childhood memories and I am always mindful never to re-traumatise you. I can assure you, that you will never be alone on your therapeutic journey. Childhood trauma can have a significant negative impact on your physical and mental wellbeing but, by learning to have compassion for yourself and by connecting the mind and the body, it’s always possible to heal from your experiences. Answered by Jayne Kelly - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Overcoming trauma and abuse can be a complex process, but our psychotherapists are truly excellent at supporting you every step of the way. Your therapist will help you explore the origins of your trauma, providing a safe space to process and heal at a speed that best suits you. To lead a happier, healthier life, it’s important to work through your past trauma or abuse, but that doesn’t necessarily mean talking about it for long periods of time – we’ll work with you, at your pace, to help you overcome any upsetting events or memories from your past. Alongside the deeper work, we’ll equip you with practical tools to navigate your daily life, ensuring that the healing extends beyond your therapy sessions and empowers you to live your life and improve your overall wellbeing. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Yes, therapy is a powerful tool that can significantly help to improve your relationships with others. Through speaking openly in your therapy sessions and sharing your difficulties, you’ll learn the steps needed to help heal and strengthen your relationships, whether with your romantic partner, family, friends, colleagues or those you might be dating. Therapy will also help you to know and understand yourself on a deeper level, enabling you to express yourself more clearly and allowing others to get to know a more authentic version of you. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Absolutely, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be a powerful tool in addressing imposter syndrome. It helps to reshape negative thought patterns and foster self-acceptance, but it doesn’t look at why your imposter syndrome arose in the first place. Our therapists are skilled in applying CBT techniques to help you overcome your imposter syndrome while digging a little deeper as they search for the root cause. To do this, they’ll incorporate aspects of psychodynamic and humanistic approaches to therapy – they’ll explore your past and look for ways to build your confidence and resilience for the future. Answered by Carly Webb - Psychotherapist & Founder of Vitus Wellbeing Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

The cycle of performance anxiety can be challenging to break because it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. You become so focused on the fear of failure that you start to doubt yourself and your ability to succeed. This leads to poor performance and more anxiety, creating a vicious circle. A strong relationship with your therapist creates a safe place to revisit past failures, understand your patterns and focus on finding unique solutions that help break your performance anxiety cycle. Your therapist can also help you explore the ‘worst case scenario’, and feel prepared for every eventuality, so you gain the confidence you need to succeed. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Absolutely, a therapist can be immensely helpful in addressing performance anxiety. Performance anxiety, whether related to public speaking, stage performance, corporate presentations, or any other situation, is a common challenge and can significantly impact your confidence and overall wellbeing. Therapists, especially those with expertise in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, can help you learn effective coping strategies, relaxation techniques, and cognitive reframing to manage your anxiety and improve your performance. I’d also suggest looking into the underlying causes of your performance anxiety and looking a bit more closely at when it began. With the guidance and support of a therapist, you can gain the tools and confidence needed to effectively manage and overcome your performance anxiety, allowing you to thrive in your chosen endeavours. Answered by Jayne Kelly - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Yes, a qualified therapist can absolutely help those with burn-out or work-related anxiety – these are two of the most common presenting problems we’re seeing at the moment. Your therapist will work with you to connect the dots between your symptoms and the root cause of the problem. Once you’ve found the underlying issue, you’ll be able to explore different ways forward for the future – whether you decide to make small changes in your day-to-day life, or you decide on a larger overhaul of the decisions you’ve been making. Your therapist will also help you to see how your burnout or work-related anxiety will spill over into your home life and relationships. This is especially true if you don't have a confidant in a co-worker, friend, or family member you feel you can talk to, but your therapist will help you to make effective changes to get your life back on track. Answered by Roksana Paciepnik - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

Managing extreme work-related stress is crucial for both your mental and physical health. Our integrative approach offers a holistic solution. We’ll help you to identify the root causes of your stress, whether they're related to your workload, your relationships, or more personal factors. Through therapy, you'll gain insights into your triggers and you’ll learn the most appropriate coping strategies for your situation. These strategies will help you to navigate the challenges of your job while providing you with the tools to manage stress in other aspects of your life in the future. Our goal is to help you overcome your work-related stress while thriving in your career and establishing a more equitable work-life balance. Answered by Jayne Kelly - Psychotherapist Find out more about Therapy for Adults Sharing options

It may sometimes feel as if there are no words to express the way you’re feeling. In these cases, art therapy may provide a safe space for you to explore your feelings and find a safe outlet. I’ve written more about this in my blog post: Why Choose Art Therapy? (vituswellbeing.com) Answered by Helen Cooper - Art Psychotherapist Find out more about Art Therapy Sharing options

No, you don’t need to be good at art to work with an art therapist! In fact, it’s sometimes better not to have any artistic ability – creating artwork without the expectation of it being ‘good’ can allow you to focus less on what it looks like and more on what it symbolises or represents. Answered by Helen Cooper - Art Psychotherapist Find out more about Art Therapy Sharing options

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or uncertain at times when it comes to parenting, but if you feel like you are struggling to manage your child’s behaviour or emotions on a consistent basis, it might be time. Do you feel like you’re constantly yelling, nagging, getting angry, or feeling frustrated with your child? Do you feel a lack of connection with your child or that you don’t understand their needs? Are you unsure how to handle your child’s behaviour, such as tantrums or defiance? If any of these resonate with you, or if simply want to stay one step ahead, a parent support coach can help. Answered by Kim Demarchi - Parent Support Coach Find out more about Parent Support Coaching Sharing options

Absolutely not! Mental health challenges are common, can affect anyone, and can be caused by a variety of factors. Seek support if your child is struggling with their mental health. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can ultimately help your child lead a happier and healthier life. Answered by Kim Demarchi - Parent Support Coach Find out more about Parent Support Coaching Sharing options

A parent support coach can help with a wide range of challenges related to parenting, such as: Managing challenging behaviours: A parent support coach can help you develop strategies for dealing with difficult behaviours such as tantrums, power struggles, defiance, or aggression. Improving communication: A parent support coach can help improve communication, including listening skills and effective communication techniques. Setting boundaries and problem solving: A parent support coach can help you set appropriate boundaries, and develop strategies for following through in a consistent and effective manner. Navigating life transitions: A parent support coach can help you navigate major life transitions, such as divorce, relocation, or the arrival of a new baby, and develop strategies for supporting your child through these changes. Ultimately, a parent support coach can help you develop the skills, confidence and strategies you need to be a more effective parent. Answered by Kim Demarchi - Parent Support Coach Find out more about Parent Support Coaching Sharing options

Ideally, both partners would attend parent support coaching. Parenting is a team effort and attending together can help you both develop a shared understanding of your child’s needs and develop strategies for working together as a team to meet those needs. It can also help improve communication and strengthen your relationship as a couple as well as providing an opportunity to address any conflicts you may have around parenting and to find solutions. If, however, one partner is unable or unwilling to attend parent support coaching, it is still extremely beneficial for the other parent to attend. They can learn strategies to improve their parenting skills and model them for the other parent in real-time. Answered by Kim Demarchi - Parent Support Coach Find out more about Parent Support Coaching Sharing options

Here are some ways family members can offer support: Show empathy and understanding Educate oneself about diagnosis and treatment Provide practical support, such as childcare, to relieve stress Encourage healthy habits, such as exercise and mindfulness Be patient and supportive, even if slow progress Avoid using stigmatizing language Answered by Kim Demarchi - Parent Support Coach Find out more about Parent Support Coaching Sharing options