It’s important to take time to find the right private psychotherapist for you. I hope these FAQs will answer some of your questions you are likely to have about working with me. If you’d like to ask anything else, please do contact me.
Psychotherapy FAQs
Can you do online psychotherapy sessions via video?
Yes, most of my session are currently online. This a very popular and flexible option for many of my clients who are based in the UK, Europe and globally. I do also have an in-person clinic in Alderley Edge, Cheshire on a Friday morning.
How do I know if you’re the right private psychotherapist for me?
The initial session is for us to discuss the main issues you are facing, ask me any further questions and establish whether I am the right private psychotherapist for you. You can read on to find out more about how I work and read about me and my therapeutic approach here.
How do I arrange an initial session?
You can email me on zoe@zoeross.com to set up a time. Please include brief details and when you are available for sessions. Please note, I usually have a waiting list and cannot provide crisis support.
Who do you work with and how can you support me?
I specialise in working with people who are mostly professionals who struggling with the impact of relational trauma, and recovery from sexual abuse and narcissistic abuse. Though I also work with adults and young people who are experiencing a wide range of psychological issues, especially anxiety.
How long is each psychotherapy session?
Each session lasts for 50 minutes and usually take place weekly or fortnightly. By agreement, sometimes sessions may last for a longer time depending on what we are working on and some clients may choose to have twice-weekly sessions, especially at the start of therapy or if addressing very difficult and distressing issues.
How many psychotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions you need depends on many factors, including the difficulties you are experiencing, the intensity and severity of those and how long you have had them for, your motivation to change and whether you are able and willing to carry out practice between sessions. Usually, clients have between 8 and 20 counselling sessions, though some clients choose to continue working with me for longer, especially if they are seeking long-term, lasting change.
I do understand and respect that psychotherapy comes at a financial and time cost and I pride myself on ensuring my clients find our sessions very good value for money and consider our sessions a very good use of time. Please be assured that it is not in my interests, nor would it be ethical, for me to advise you to continue therapy longer than helpful. I will always be honest with you and review things regularly with you to enable you to make the right decisions for you.
What happens in psychotherapy sessions?
Initial assessment consultation
In the initial assessment consultation we explore your issues, discuss important background information and decide on a recommended way forward. This allows us to ensure I am the right psychotherapist for you and we can then either begin to start working together, or decide that we will not continue and there is no obligation to do so.
Counselling sessions
Our sessions are usually weekly and 50 minute long sessions. I do work with some clients on a twice-weekly or fortnightly basis. We review our work together regularly to ensure it is meeting your needs and adjusting the approach and session commitment as needed.
Do I have to attend weekly?
It is relatively important, especially initially, that you attend therapy each week to ensure you get the most out of it and make the progress you want in the shortest time possible. Some people do prefer fortnightly, however in this case you need to accept it will take longer to make progress. Usually, the more you can work on between sessions, the faster the progress you will make.
Fee FAQs
What are your private psychotherapy session fees?
Each psychotherapy session costs £120. Payment is made in advance of each session by bank transfer.
Can my employer pay for my sessions?
If your employer wishes to pay for your sessions, they can contact me to arrange this. I will require confirmation from the HR department, and will need payment to be made prior to your first appointment.
What happens if I miss a session?
As the agreed time slot is reserved for you each week, unfortunately any missed sessions without 48 hours’ notice are payable in full.
What if I have to rearrange a session?
As the agreed time slot is reserved for you each week, it is not usually possible to rearrange a session for you at a different time in the same week. However, as long as you give 48 hours’ (1 days’) notice you can cancel your weekly session and gain a credit for the following week. Unfortunately, if you do not give 48 hours’ notice, it will not be possible to offer you a credit and this will be classed as a missed session. If you cancel twice in a row, it will be assumed that you wish to stop therapy and your time slot will be allocated to someone else.
Other FAQs
What type of psychotherapy will we be doing?
Each client I work with is a unique person and I carefully tailor the most suitable therapeutic approaches to each client to ensure I support you in the best way possible way. This is no ‘one-size-fits-all approach’ and I am trained in a number of different evidence-based psychological approaches. I draw on these to address each of my client’s individual needs. You may like to read more about me, my qualifications and my therapeutic approach.
Are there issues you don’t offer psychotherapy for?
As I specialise in working with people recovering from narcissistic abuse, sexual abuse and other types of significant relational trauma, I don’t work with people with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, very strong narcissistic traits, or those who have abused others in any way.
I also tend not to work with people who have been diagnosed with personality disorders or psychotic mental disorders such as schizophrenia. This is simply because it is not my area of expertise and it is important you work with specially trained clinicians to get the correct treatment to support you over the long-term.
