FAQs

Going to therapy for the first time can feel like a huge step. And it’s our job to make that step feel as easy as possible. So let’s start by breaking down how it all happens, and answering some of the questions you might have about therapy. 

  • We can normally arrange your first session within 7-10 days of you first getting in touch with us, but that depends on both your and your chosen therapist’s availability. 

    Especially during busy periods, and if you’re looking for evening and weekend sessions (which are often popular), this can take a little longer. 

    If you need urgent support in less than a week, please contact your GP.

  • We have comprehensive safeguarding policies designed to protect our clients, and to make sure that our therapists are always supporting you to the highest standard. For example: 

    • Our directors personally interview and vet each therapist

    • We hand-pick therapists to join LPCC, making sure that they have: 

      • The right professional qualifications, training, and experience 

      • Membership to the relevant professional bodies 

      • Liability insurance 

      • ICO registration 

      • DBS checks

    • Everyone in our referral team goes through safeguarding training

    We also make sure that you’re aware of our complaints procedure, so you know exactly what to do if you feel like you aren’t receiving the best care.

    • Absolutely. When you’re filling out our contact form, you’ll be able to tell us what gender of therapist you’d prefer

  • Definitely. When you’re filling out our contact form, you can let us know if there’s someone in particular you want to speak to. Take a look through the different therapists we have in our team to see if there’s anyone in particular that you’d like to work with. 

    However, don’t worry if no one stands out to you right now. Our referral team will match you up with the therapist that they think can best meet your needs.

  • It’s really important to us that you feel comfortable with your therapist. So if you aren’t happy with your therapist for any reason after your first session, just let your therapist know directly (we promise they won’t be offended), or let us know, and we’ll match you up with someone else. No questions asked.

  • It’s completely normal to feel nervous before going to therapy for the very first time, but we find that clients feel a lot more comfortable even by the end of their first session.  

  • One hour.

  • That’s fine. You aren’t obligated to agree to a specific number of sessions. You can simply let your therapist know that you don’t want to continue with sessions anymore. It’s as easy as that.

  • That’s fine. You are not obligated to agree to any number of sessions. Please let the Practitioner know if you no longer wish to continue.

  • We do offer zoom sessions, telephone sessions, and face-to-face sessions. The nature of the session depends on what style of therapy you prefer, as well as your chosen therapist's availability.

  • All payments are made directly to your therapist. They will provide you with their bank details so that you can make a transfer, or they’ll ask you to bring cash to the session.

  • Counselling is usually more short-term than psychotherapy, and lasts between 6-12 sessions on average. The reason why this approach is much shorter-term than psychotherapy is due to how it focuses on solving specific issues, and immediate challenges that arise in daily life.

  • Psychotherapy is usually longer-term than counselling, and can last anywhere between 6 months and 5 years (or more). This approach focuses more on identifying underlying patterns in behaviour, and gives the client the opportunity to address past experiences and overcome longer-term challenges to their mental health.