- What happens during the first session?
The first 1-2 sessions are normally known as “consultations”. We will discuss the concerns that have brought you to therapy, based on which I will be able to assess how many sessions you will need. We will also go over some practicalities such as how often and where we will meet, any rules of therapy regarding confidentiality and whether you perhaps need additional help (e.g. of a psychiatrist to prescribe medication in some cases). We will sign a written form of a therapeutic contract on the first or second session, outlining things like days/times of meetings, confidentiality, cancellations etc.
- Do you do therapy for children or adolescents?
I only offer therapy to adults (18+). However, I am happy to provide recommendations and give you contact details to therapists working with children and adolescents.
- Are therapy sessions always confidential?
I will always keep everything you tell me in therapy confidential, except when I believe that you are a threat to yourself or others. I might also have to breach confidentiality if I’m instructed to do so by a court order. I might also talk about your case with my supervisor (to get guidance on my work), but that will not include any identifiable information and details such as names, ages etc. will be changed.
- Can I book a session for my partner/spouse/child/friend/sibling?
You can only book sessions for yourself. Anyone seeking therapy must contact me themselves, not through a third person.
- Can my family member or friend also have sessions with you if I’m your client?
This would create conflict of interest. However, if it’s e.g. a distant colleague from work, an acquaintance, a distant friend – that’s fine. It’s best to discuss things like these on a case to case basis, in order to rule out any conflicts of interest.
- Can I get leave off work or anti-depressants from you?
Psychotherapists cannot provide leave off work and cannot prescribe any drugs! I also cannot give you any medical advice.
- What if I happen to need anti-depressants or anti-anxiety medication?
If I believe it would be in your best interest to go on such medication as an addition to therapy, I will provide you with contact details to a psychiatrist or ask you to see your GP.
- Can I have sessions online?
As well as face-to-face therapy, I also provide psychotherapy on Skype/Facetime. Sometimes, this may also be a useful alternative if you’re traveling for business or on holidays but do not want to miss a session. This is also very useful for people moving countries, as it is much more beneficial to continue therapy with the same therapist.
- Can I have psychotherapy with you and another therapist at the same time?
No, you can only have psychotherapy with one therapist at any given time, as their approaches may conflict and sometimes, this could confuse the client and do more harm than good.
- How often will I need to attend psychotherapy?
Normally, psychotherapy is once a week. I would not recommend anything less than that because it will significantly impact the therapeutic process. It’s possible to have therapy twice a week and for many people, this yields even better results.
- What happens if I miss or cancel a session?
If you miss or cancel a session less than 48 hours before the agreed time, you must pay the full amount.
- How do I make an appointment?
There are 3 options: 1) contact me via phone (mobile: 07376041102). If I’m unable to answer, please text me and I will get back to you ASAP. You can also text instead of calling in the first place if you prefer; 2) e-mail me on anna.m.sinski@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP. 3) Leave your contact details through the form in the contact section of this page and I will call or e-mail you back.