Notes on Psychotherapy
Starting psychotherapy/analysis will involve you in making certain arrangements and these notes are intended to assist you. I will also give you a copy of the brochure Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy published by the British Confederation of Psychotherapists (Now British Psychoanalytic Council). It provides helpful information about the nature of psychotherapy.
Attending for Psychotherapy
We will have one or more initial interviews to understand why you are seeking help at this time and for you to be able to tell me about yourself. It is important for you to let me know if you are receiving treatment from your general practitioner or a medical specialist. Where you are receiving medical advice or treatment for a condition related to your present concerns, it is usually advisable for there to be contact with the medical practitioner and this is something we can discuss.
Sessions last 50 minutes. I will give you notice of periods when I am away. So that breaks are not too long, it is desirable if your holidays are at the same time but I realise this is not always possible. There may be questions you would like to ask me about my training or qualifications.
Confidentiality
In order for therapy to be effective it is necessary to establish trust that what is said will be treated in confidence. Trust can only be established over time and in the light of experience. (There may be exceptional circumstances, such as being a danger to oneself or to others, when it is necessary to inform the appropriate people).
I am involved in teaching, in maintaining my own professional development, giving workshops and writing occasional papers for professional settings and this involves the use of clinical material. When this is the case, all references to individual's experiences are made anonymous and disguised to ensure confidentiality. If you wish to withhold your permission for this or to discuss it, please let me know and your wishes will be respected.
Ending
As everyone is an individual it is difficult to be prescriptive about how long therapy continues or how endings come about. It is desirable if endings are arranged by mutual agreement and some time ahead. (From the standpoint of my time commitment a minimum of a month's notice is appreciated.)
Fees
Fees are agreed at the beginning and are subject to annual review. It is usual to charge for all missed or cancelled sessions though, of course, there is no charge when I am away. Accounts are given at the end of each month.
Lawrence Brown
Professional Member and Training Analyst, Society of Analytical Psychology,
Member, Association of Child Psychotherapists,
Registered, British Psychoanalytic Council