John Richardson Psychotherapy

About

I have experience of working with all sorts of people and all kinds of problems. Most people when they first book a session are struggling with anxiety, worry and stress. They're typically confused, exhausted and fed up because they don’t know why, or they do but don’t know what to do about it.

Obviously right now, a lot of things seems to be up in the air for a lot of people and they're finding the uncertainty of CV19 and the lockdown additionally unsettling.

In light of the lockdown all of my sessions are now happening on FaceTime, WhatsApp, Zoom or phone. All of these media work really well for therapy. They're not quite the same as being in the same room but they do enable people to get the support they need. They're actually a really effective way people can feel held, supported, heard and relieved, even now.

Free Initial Session

I offer an free initial session so that you can get an experience of therapy and see if you’d like us to work together to help you get through what ever is going on for you right now.

Typically in that first session we'd chat about what has brought you to the place, why you're looking for some help right now and what you'd like to achieve by working together. It's pretty informal and gives us a chance to get to know each other a bit.

Working with Anxiety

I find that when people first engage they've been living for some time with a lot of anxious thoughts and feelings which can be all consuming, isolating and exhausting. It's a horrible experience.

We can start to make some sense of where the anxiety comes from and then what to do about it. There is something really powerful about the therapeutic relationship, often the 'We' can achieve things that the 'I' can't.

People typically leave that initial session with a sense of clarity, a feeling of relief that they're not carrying all that worry alone any more. And some hope because they can see a way forward.

Belief in You. Belief in Therapy

I believe we all have the capacity to change and that we’re all fundamentally OK.

Sometimes we lose contact with that because anxiety and worry get in the way. That’s where therapy could really help you to relieve the stress and reconnect to feeling good again.

My Working Style

I work in a way that is non-judgmental, friendly and effective. I am supportive and honest and my clients tend to make good progress by sharing their experiences, gaining a greater understanding and new (less stressful) ways of being.

My favorite thing about being a therapist is in helping people feel less anxious and rediscover that they’re likable, capable, lovable and able to smile again... because so often when they first come in to therapy, those things often seem so very far away.

My Location

Right now I'm using FaceTime, WhatsApp or Zoom for sessions. You'll need somewhere private and something to put the phone on so you don't have to hold it for an hour - although, I've done lots of session with people in their cars (parked!) or out for a secluded walk in recent weeks.

My therapy room is in Hull’s Old Town. It’s a private, professional yet friendly place. It’s easy to find and a comfortable place to be.

Cost and Cancellations

After the first free one, I charge £50 a session. They are an hour long and I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Payment by bank transfer on the same day as the session.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

I think the best advice here would be that you'd always get to choose how many sessions you'd want, start with one and see how you go...

...but this might be useful in thinking about how many sessions. Obviously everyone is different and each therapeutic relationship unique, but sometimes people use therapy in one of three ways.

1-2 sessions - I got what I needed, just a different point of view or a penny dropped, an opportunity to vent and be heard.

6-12 sessions - I needed a little time to explore some stuff, to get to really understand it and me. The therapist was great in helping me make sense of this difficult time/experience and I feel able to carry on with life now, or...

regular therapy for a while - perhaps a weekly session over time to know I have somebody in my corner, whilst I get to know me, work out some long standing stuff and develop a better way of being in the world. A reliable routine that has me at the heart of it and somebody to help me, bit by bit, over time.

...but my best advice would be, start with one and see how it goes.

Confidentiality and Ethics

All sessions are held in strictest confidence and I comply with the UKATA and BACP code of ethics.

What to do next

If you'd like to book your free first session then simply email me by clicking the Contact button at the top of the page or, call or text me on 07866 807098 to book in.  We'll schedule a session at a mutually agreeable time and take it from there.

Of course if you'd like to ask me any questions before booking then do feel free to do so by email or phone.

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