In Case You Are Still Wondering…

Q: How do I know if I need therapy?

A: People seek help quite often when there is a loss or big life event but sometimes it can be underlining issues that need addressing. You may be overwhelmed and not really understand why, be feeling low mood or lack motivation. There may be a change in your behaviour or relationships that are confusing you and those around you. It may be time to talk about traumatic life events. Perhaps you want to dig deep and work through some stuff to move forward with your life and pursue your dreams. I want to emphasise whatever it is there is nothing wrong with you but there is a need that is not being met leading you to these issues. It’s common that people will try suppress things or think they can deal with it alone and keep trying to push through. There is no shame in seeking help, you’re only human and it doesn't have to get or be at the worst case scenario before you access help.

Q: What makes you unique?

A: Every step of the process has been carefully thought out to make it as simple and streamlined as possible. Always with the client in mind and listening to feedback. Here at Silver Linings there is a planned capacity as the priority is offering a personalised quality service at all times. There is an online live booking system with individual and two subscription options. In Leeds there is free onsite parking in an ideal location. Online there are clients: United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Dubai, Poland & Canada as booking can be done in your own time zone and is accessible via Zoom. The placements that are run through the practice too means there are discounted sessions for those struggling financially. 

Q: How do you know who is a good match for me?

A: I have over a decade of experience working with clients and in various roles with a lot of responsibility and co-ordinating staff. I have personally chosen all Therapists at Silver Linings because I see that they have a strong passion for what they do and I am confident in their abilities. For each of them I have gotten to know their experience which I can match to your needs. If however, I don’t think there is a good fit I am very familiar with services, regularly signpost to my peers and I know other professionals around the world too. I’m not here to gatekeep it’s best all round to find the right therapeutic relationship. It is also completely fine if you want to choose and would like more information to do so.

Q: How often should I book?

A: The way to get the most benefit out of your therapy is to book regularly so that the process and momentum is not lost in between sessions. However, it is understandable that time and money plays a role in this too. At Silver Linings you can book weekly or fortnightly. Some occasionally even do monthly. There are individual bookings or you can opt for a reoccurring monthly subscription for savings (cancel at any time). 

Q: What is the booking process?

A: There is a simple online booking system where you can book, rearrange or cancel your own sessions. The payment is taken at the same time. There is an instant confirmation email which will have either the Zoom link ready to click on the day of session or the address in Leeds. To help keep you on track you will receive a reminder with this information in again 24 & 12 hours before session. To rebook after you can either use the link/app again or in a follow up email you will receive the link in there too.

Q: Why does Therapy cost so much?

A: There are years of training involved in becoming a Therapist, then once qualified you have to meet certain criteria to keep your registration and manage marketing. This includes things like: regular supervision, ongoing professional development courses, up to date resources, website, directories, adverts and booking systems. Office rental and practical things to take into account. BACP Registration fees and insurance are also essential. Here at Silver Linings we have various offers to suit your needs.

Q: How does the subscription work?

A: Set this up by inputting your information and following the online instructions after selecting this option. You will then be sent a code to input and can book sessions as usual making sure to input your code to deduct from your allowance. You can input a month at a time and then at the renewal date do the same again with your code. Equally you can book week by week or move around. Cancel at any time. Any additional sessions can be booked via the normal booking system too. Clients feedback that it an be really helpful to opt for subscriptions as it takes away extra things to do so they can just concentrate on their growth and healing whilst factoring in to their expenses rather than juggling around. 

Q: Is it totally confidential?

A: Yes however, there are exceptions for imminent high risk situations to you or someone else. That does not necessarily mean everything as there are some topics that may be discussed in session and not a concern. Breaches would ideally also go through the client first too.

Q: What’s the difference between counselling & psychotherapy?

A: counselling is more at a present level working on struggles in your day-to-day around things like stress, coping strategies, thought patterns or maybe communication styles. Psychotherapy on the other hand is revisiting the past and making sense of why you are like you are, process traumatic experiences or exploring topics like identity and core beliefs. Obviously they link together a lot and there are lots more complex themes. It also depends on the theory being applied.

Q: What can I talk about in therapy?

A: That really depends on what you want to bring. Often things come up too. It really is your space to explore with no judgement and some gentle direction from a theoretical approach that encourages deeper awareness. Some examples of issues Silver Linings mostly works with are: abuse/trauma, anxiety, core beliefs, CPTSD, connecting the dots of your experiences and who you are, depression, DID, emotional regulation, identity struggles, inner child work, intrusive thoughts, loneliness, low self confidence, low self worth, relationship pattern issues, self harm, suicidal thoughts and much more. There are also some people who work on self development if feeling stuck or career aspirations. Clients can revisit the past or they can work on the things going on right now. It’s the Therapists role to figure out what pace works for you but feedback is respected too. Clients are usually surprised with how it flows as they sometimes can go in wondering what they’ll even talk about.

Q: What if I am too scared to open up and it feels too much?

A: This is a really good question and honestly comes up SO much! It is scary, I want to validate that first. Anything that challenges us is and is equally necessary for growth. Also, you don’t have to pour your heart out completely in one session. It is a process. As the therapeutic relationship build so does trust. It is a big part of Therapy training to hold space and work from where the client is currently at. There are various interventions underlining that help. It is really not as mysterious or scary as people initially believe. It’s 2 human beings having a meaningful conversation. Sometimes it can be sad and others fun.

Q: How will I know if it is working and how will it change my life?

A: Honestly, this can vary. There is no certificate when you ‘qualify’ from therapy. When you start to notice significant changes in your attitude, behaviour or relationship to self/others. Maybe you start to feel more in tune with yourself this can be a good sign too. Some people notice a difference in themselves from early on or some it may be longer. I appreciate it can feel urgent when you’re not in a good place but you really have to trust the process. There is no time limit or quick fixes we are all working progresses and people often dip in and out of therapy at different points in their lives. You can learn to take control of your own life, find more fulfilment and connection, heal parts of you that were holding you back and be the true you. 

Q: Is there anything to do outside of sessions?

A: Again, depends on lots of factors but ultimately this can be agreed with your Therapist. Everyone has different levels of free time and headspace. Some people just don’t want to do anything in between and that is okay too.