WHY SO MANY QUESTIONS?
We know therapy, particularly if it is your first experience, can be a bit daunting. It isn’t but like many things it can feel like that.
We have put together a comprehensive list of questions and answers, grouped under general subject headings, that cover what we have found to be most of the common queries people have but feel a bit awkward asking.
These answers are necessarily generic in nature and don’t do the job of therapy. However, we are aiming to give you a starting point and answer that nagging question: why didn’t anyone tell me this before.
Hopefully these will put your mind at rest or direct you to other resources we have produced that can do that job for you.
If you want to move forward and explore the benefits we can deliver for you through therapy or business coaching with us, we’d love to start that conversation.
Therapy Owls – 2023
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can therapy help with?
Most people think about therapy as managing negatives in your personal life, relationships or at work. The real purpose, as we see it, is about understanding who you are in the world and in your relationships and setting a firm foundation for personal growth.
Have you got any examples of people you have helped?
We have included a number of extracts from feedback we have received from recent clients. We can’t of course include more personal detail as the information is confidential.
Will I look I’m a failure by trying therapy?
Anything but. The days of any reasonable thinking person considering therapy as a negative or a failure decline by the day. It is instead seen as a sign of courage and responsibility.
What will my employer say?
Unless they are paying for the therapy, they do not need to know. With our online delivery method it is not as though you need to make excuses for being away from the office for hours to attend an appointment.
Is therapy just for people signed off ill by a doctor or work?
No. Illness can often be ignored or undetected as it presents itself in a way that has not yet led to seeking medical help such as anxiety, depression or stress.
I don’t like the doctor or hospitals. What does therapy feel like?
Therapy is not a sterile or impersonal environment where you go to be diagnosed, fixed up and sent away with a tablet. It is a safe place to share what’s on your mind whether those challenges are specific things or general feelings of being stuck in a situation or a relationship.
Direct Benefits
Direct benefits often include better balance, more discipline around routines or habits, more time for self care and better sleep hygiene. Our clients say that they felt clearer, lighter, more optimistic and had a better understanding of themselves and their relationships. The scale of direct benefit correlates with the client’s mindset and willingness to embrace change. It can deliver improvement or be a gamechanger. It is really up to you and your appetite for change.Indirect benefits
Resolving the principal issues, gaining new perspectives, unlocking potential and developing new insights almost always results in positive change in your relationships, effectiveness in the workplace and in other areas of your life. Walking Therapy also combines the benefits of exercise and a more direct connection with the natural environment.I’m not that bad. Is therapy a luxury I can delay?
Personal development through therapy is among the most sustainable investment you can make. Investing in your understanding of what is holding you back or is causing discomfort pays many times over. And that’s not just our opinion. It is grounded in decades of experience and backed by science. Just think of the costs we incur through poor coping choices in doing or buying things (or procrastinating) to avoid pain or make us feel better. The question of whether therapy is a luxury then typically becomes irrelevant.How long before I start feeling better?
Our experience shows that most clients experience begin to feel a noticeable impact somewhere between sessions 3 and 7. Feeling better is of course subjective but in terms of feeling as though there is hope and a sense of relief by being heard, we often get this feedback after just 1 or 2 sessions.How will I know things are improving?
Improvement is subjective. However, common signs are that relationships both personally and professionally become more constructive as clients begin to see things differently. A sense of calm over chaos starts to take hold.Is there any evidence of how therapy benefits people?
Lots. There is both extensive scientific data and anecdotal evidence showing the benefits of therapy, for the individual, the people they interrelate with. This includes improvements from clearer thinking and better decision-making.I know I want some help but don’t know what to ask for
Just by asking for help you have taken the first and most courageous step. It is common that people are unsure of what problem they are facing but they do know how they feel. Just come with an open mind and we will work out the key issues together.How will I know what works for me?
Some clients have had previous experience of therapy – both good and bad. Through careful questions your therapist will be able to apply their experience and discuss with you what approach works best.Is therapy just talking?
Not unless you want it to be. Talking is central to a lot of our therapy work because it is the most effective way to help identify the blockages that are keeping people stuck. This is sometimes blended with a mix of interactive work so that it can help aid processing between sessions. Where it helps we can provide some tools for clients to use themselves to grow their independence.Do you just deliver Online Therapy?
No. We also offer In-Person Therapy and Walking Therapy. Both options are available in Twickenham, London and multiple locations across Bristol.Can I get some practical help as well as talking?
Yes. We do not operate a Band-Aid approach to therapy just trying to fix the issue at hand. We identify the causes with our clients combined with providing tools and techniques clients need so that going forward clients can operate independently. Walking Therapy can also result in a different perspective as there is a different engagement with nature occurring during the session.I have an issue right now I need to unlock. Can therapy help?
Absolutely. We have a strong focus towards applying practical and pragmatic approach removing blockages preventing clients from moving forward in their personal or professional lives.Does therapy always involve digging through my family history?
Many issues have roots in early life. That doesn’t mean it is the only place to start looking for solutions. After all, the past should inform, not keep you stuck. If a client does not have the time or need to start a lengthy exploration process, we tend to deal with the roadblock first.Will my therapist give me answers?
We try to help you to the answer. The speed of this process is different for everyone and also depends on the issues. Clients often have the answer even if it is hidden away on a subconscious level so we might start with the issue causing a client to be stuck but followed by a deeper exercise to understand the root cause. However we get there, we will do it together with the overall aim of the solution being in the client’s hands for them to use independently.Can I mix the types of therapy depending on the issues I need help with?
Absolutely. For example, addressing automatic negative patterns might work. A complimentary approach to unlocking specific unhelpful narratives may work well alongside this. Your therapist blends these two together and any solution is tailored to fit you. Sometimes sessions can be mixed between Online or In-Person and Walking Therapy where clients feel a change in the therapeutic environment is beneficial.Therapist/Life coach – Confused?
In a nutshell, coaching focuses on setting and achieving goals vs therapy helps you recognise and solve your problems in life. The best approach is to talk about what you need and we can design something that suits you.Do I have to fill out a long form of personal info?
Therapy is not an online dating process. Call us old fashioned but we don’t do long forms or collect personality questionnaires before we start the process.Do all therapists get allocated by algorithms?
There are a number of therapy platforms which hand over the therapist selection process to purely digital solutions. These are marketed under the banner of ‘matching you with the right therapist’. Our personal approach is different. It is designed for real people, run by real people.Can I talk to someone before I have to commit to anything?
As human beings we judge each others’ suitability within seconds and so if we really didn’t fit together clients would not come back. This has never happened so the commitment is virtually risk free. However, we don’t require a minimum number of sessions to be booked at the outset so clients remain in control as the commitment is only the first session. The only difference is for Business Coaching. Given we focus on tailoring our offering to your business needs, we offer a FREE 30 minute discovery call so we can start a conversation about what is most impactful for you.What makes a good fit for me?
A good fit typically has two key aspects. The first is your therapist having the right expertise and experience. The second, more subjective aspect, is the invisible feeling when you just experience a level of comfort with another person who you think instinctively you can build trust with. We have decades of lived experience to draw upon as well as our therapy expertise and our personal approach has always been a strong feature with the people we deal with. That experience can’t be bought; it has been earned.What happens if I don’t click with my therapist after the first session?
The most impactful therapy relationships are not a one-way process. We equally want to be satisfied that we fit together so that the therapeutic relationship has its best chance of success. The only commitment required is our first session. We don’t require a minimum number of sessions to be booked at the outset so clients remain in control. If we really didn’t fit then we could stop after that. It has never happened, but the option is there.Is my therapist qualified?
Yes. All our therapists are fully qualified and all registered with either the BACP or NCPS (being the two most widely recognised professional bodies in the therapy space). One of the key differentiators we seek to offer is that our therapists have decades of lived experience in related fields too.What if something comes up where my therapist is not an expert?
We have strict ethical boundaries ensuring that we do not paint outside the lines. If a client brings a situation to us at the outset which is outside the range of areas we cover, we would take the necessary steps to refer this to one of our referral partners.How do I start?
It is really simple. Simply press BOOK NOW. From there, our engagement process is quick and really easy.Is there lots of paperwork?
We can’t promise an entirely form free experience. However, we limit the information we need from you to what we need to hold to satisfy ethical and safety requirements. We don’t, though, require pages of forms to fill out or questionnaires to complete before you start your therapy.Will I need a referral from my GP or Employer?
No. You may get a referral from your GP or employer but in either case we operate separately from either. There is typically no need for either your GP or employer to know that you are engaging in therapy.How long is each session?
Each standard session is an industry standard 50 minutes (whether Online or In Person). We also offer a 30 Minute Therapy option Online. To get the best impact from the environment and to allow time for a reflection over a cup of tea or coffee (on us!), Walking Therapy sessions are 90 minutes.How often will I need to have sessions?
The frequency of sessions is up to you. Most commonly clients begin with weekly sessions in order to provide momentum.How many sessions will I need?
There is no fixed answer here but neither is there a minimum requirement. Often the initial presenting problem becomes linked with other things that clients may want to look at. In these cases the therapy often continues until they may want to stop or take a break. Clients can stop at anytime.Do I have to commit to a block of sessions?
No. At the outset we can discuss what an initial set of sessions might look like as an estimate. This can be revised as the therapy gets underway.Can I change appointment times?
We are as flexible as possible. Changes to appointment times and other related terms are included in the email you have confirming your booking. This is not to penalise but just to reflect a fair balance between the time we have committed to that session and that we have not made other commitments at that time.Will my therapist be available 24/7 if needed?
We do not typically promise round the clock therapy service as we have found that it can be as harmful to be a permanent emotional safety net when the objective is to facilitate empowered independence.What will it cost?
We charge per session for Personal Therapy or Young Adults Therapy. Our charges vary depending on your chosen session length (30 or 50 minutes).
Our Business Coaching and Walking Therapy are slightly different.
Walking Therapy is delivered over 90 minutes to capture the full benefit of the walk-and-talk environment, including the freedom to choose tempo and reflection time as well as taking time to round up your session over tea or coffee on us at your finishing location.
Business Coaching is delivered Online to individuals, groups, or organisations. We have 3 simple options. In summary:
- Accountability coaching – weekly check-ins and a monthly deep-dive to maintain the delivery of your goals and strategy growth
- Our Flagship D.R.I.V.E.™ Programme – An 8-week Programme focussed on discovering Purpose, Mission, and Values, operationalising these insights into your business and developing a Roadmap with accompanying tools.
- Your choice of a bespoke package of developmental workshops including Leadership, Resilience, Negotiation, Goal Setting, developing a Growth Mindset and Habit Formation. These all come with their own toolkits. All of these options can be delivered in the workplace on a one-2-one or small-group basis and are bespoke to fit you and your budget.
Our D.R.I.V.E.™ Business Coaching programme is delivered online only and is based on a focused 8-week programme. It has a fixed price of £1,995, including 8, one-2-one workshop-based sessions, preparation, and review of your inputs (in total you get 16 hours of expert coaching time). In addition, you will take away a toolbox of materials you will know how to use and a bespoke Roadmap.
We have a transparent, flexible, and value-based approach to our Business Coaching. We are not the cheapest because we know from experience that we deliver high-value and impactful results. However, we are also a fraction of the cost of larger business coaching or consulting firms and guarantee bespoke service and direct access to experienced expertise.
Do you have a free taster session?
For Therapy services, no. As human beings, we judge each others’ suitability within seconds and so if we really didn’t fit together clients would not come back. This has never happened so the commitment is virtually risk-free.
However, we don’t require a minimum number of sessions to be booked at the outset so clients remain in control as the commitment is only the first session.
The only difference is for Business Coaching. Given we focus on tailoring our offering to your business needs, we offer a FREE 30-minute Discovery call so we can start a conversation about what is most impactful for you.
Do you offer discounts?
Typically no.
Why do therapists charge different rates?
Rates charged by our therapists may vary for a number of different reasons such as the areas covered, their experience or expertise, their location and if sessions are delivered Online, In Person or as Walking Therapy.
Can I get my Health insurance to pay for my therapy?
You will need to consult the terms of your insurance. We recommend you do this before committing to therapy if that is how you intend to fund it.
If I miss a session, do I have to pay?
We are as flexible as possible. Changes to appointment times and other related terms are included in the email you have confirming your booking. This is not to penalise but just to reflect a fair balance between the time we have committed to that session and that we have not made other commitments at that time.
Why do you focus on offering therapy online?
Online therapy has been used successfully for many years. It is quicker (no time out of your day travelling to appointments) simpler, more convenient, removes geographic boundaries and generates cost savings through less overhead.Is online therapy as effective?
Yes. And we’re not just saying so because we principally deliver online. With the increase in therapy being delivered online there has also been up to date scientific data showing the effectiveness of online therapy.I don’t like technical stuff. Is online therapy easy to set up?
Yes. It is typically easier to set up and access sessions online then it is to follow a sat NAV and find a parking space for an in-person session.Do I need to be in front of a computer?
No. All you need is a device and internet connection.So why do you offer in-person therapy too?
We looked at this carefully because we were asked to by our clients. Some people want to meet in person so we looked at our Vision, Mission and Values and decided that we would offer a limited number of sessions in person in London (Twickenham) and in multiple locations across Bristol. We also took this opportunity to add Walking Therapy for clients. This delivers something completely different while still providing the benefits of In Person Therapy.Is online therapy safe?
Yes. Much safer then holding paper records in a physical environment. We use the latest encrypted cloud technology. Even if we do deliver our therapy in person all our documentation is held in this online environment.
Are my sessions confidential?
Yes. We can guarantee from our perspective that the environment is no different to being in a physical room with the door shut and no one listening.
What happens to my information?
As with any patient information your data and client records are held in a secure environment, compliant with all laws. The latest encryption software ensures that our online records are protected from being attacked.
Can my information be disclosed to anyone?
Typically, no. There are not many situations where a disclosure is required. The most common exceptions are where a therapist is required under a legal duty to make disclosures if, for example, a client was a threat to themselves or others.
If I’m not happy, can I make a complaint?
Of course. Please see our terms and conditions for our complaints procedure.
What is Therapy Owls?
Therapy Owls is a platform offering clients who need help but are not sure where to access it connection with the best therapists to deal with the issues they need support with.
This makes things simple for clients and therapists as they only have one point of contact and can concentrate on the most important thing: delivering therapeutic change.
Why is Therapy Owls different?
In an environment dominated by algorithms and lengthy automated processes matching clients with therapists, we decided to go the other way. Therapy is about a personal relationship and so we carefully place clients with the person who has the right expertise but also is the right fit for them.
With around 85% of the effectiveness of individual therapy being driven by the relationship between client and therapist, taking a bit of extra time to make sure this part is right seems to make sense to us.
Why the Owl?
Apart from the odd dormouse, who doesn’t love an owl? We looked at the core aspects we wanted to deliver through a therapy platform and the choice was simple. We want to be active listeners to hear what clients want to share, sharp eyed to notice the detail and flexible enough in our perspective to see things from multiple different angles.
Do you send out useful updates?
We have an active blog which mixes our perspective on technical issues as they arise and include updates on the latest thinking. We also provide free tools periodically.
Once you are a client of Therapy Owls, you get our members’ publication which includes tools for you to use as well as a basic set of instructions of how these might apply to you and benefit you practically.
Can I share what you publish if it helps others?
We operate a fairness system.
It is OK to share what we publish with others if it will benefit them or it leads to an insight which is useful to you. We just ask that our intellectual property is acknowledged if the information is shared or reproduced.
It is NOT OK to grab or edit our intellectual property and share it as if it was your own.