Question 1

How do I decide whether to book an online or an in-person appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can choose between online or in-person therapy, depending on your preferences and needs. Here's a summary of both options:

Online Therapy:
Convenience: No need to travel, allowing you to attend sessions from home or any suitable      location.
Effectiveness: Research shows that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for      improving relationships, mental health, and well-being. Many clients report high satisfaction with online sessions.

In-person Therapy:
Physical Presence: The therapist is physically present, offering more nuanced communication through body language and other cues.
Reflection Time: The journey to and from therapy can help with personal reflection.
Neutral Environment: Being in a dedicated, peaceful setting away from home may enhance the therapeutic experience.

Making Your Choice:
The  decision between online or in-person therapy is a personal one. It's important to consider which setting feels most comfortable and effective for you.
Once you choose a preferred option, it's advisable to commit to it consistently, as switching between online and in-person sessions can disrupt the therapy process.

You can also discuss your preferences during the initial consultation with Lynette

Question 2

I’m wondering if there's anything specific I need to do before the first session.

Accepted Answer

Generally, you don’t need to do anything special before attending your first session, other than showing up ready to discuss what's on your mind. However, reflecting on your situation beforehand can be very helpful. Lynette will explore questions like:

What has led you to seek help?
What are the changes you hope to see in your life?
Are there recurring patterns in your relationships that you want to understand better or change?

It’s perfectly okay if you don’t have all the answers right away. Therapy is a space where you can gradually uncover your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. But if you already have some specific concerns or goals—whether they’re related to personal challenges, relationships, or emotional well-being—sharing them at the start can be helpful. That way, you can both work together to set the direction for your sessions.

Feel free to let Lynette know anything that feels important to you, even if it’s just a small part of what’s going on. It’s all valuable information that will help her understand how best to support you.

Question 3

Does Lynette see people in LGBTQ+ relationships?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Lynette welcomes everyone, regardless of how they identify in terms of sexuality or gender. Whether you're in an LGBTQ+ relationship or navigating any other aspect of your identity, therapy is a space where you can feel understood and supported. The goal is to create an inclusive, non-judgmental environment where you can work through your unique challenges and explore your relationship dynamics, emotional well-being, or personal growth.

If you have specific concerns related to your LGBTQ+ relationship, such as communication, societal challenges, or navigating any aspect of your identity, Lynette will be there to support you every step of the way. You should feel comfortable bringing up any issues that are important to you in a safe and affirming space.

Question 4

Will I be given Homework to do in between sessions?

Accepted Answer

Lynette may assign homework to complement the work done in your therapy sessions. This could include exercises, books, podcasts, or body work. It’s important to complete these tasks, as they are designed to enhance your progress and keep you engaged with both your mind and body between sessions. Her sessions can be challenging and may feel like they pass quickly, so the homework serves as a valuable tool to reinforce the work and help you continue your growth outside of therapy. Staying consistent with this homework is key to making meaningful progress.

Question 5

Do I need to inform my GP that I are seeking therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. However, it is highly recommended that you inform your GP if you are having therapy sessions with Lynette, especially if you are taking psychotropic medications (or any other medications). Being open and honest about your treatment, including any results, side effects, or issues with medication compliance, will help ensure that your therapy is as effective as possible. Lynette will need to know what medications you're on, as they may influence her assessment and the ongoing therapeutic work. It's also worth noting that certain medications can sometimes contribute to sexual difficulties, so this is an important detail to share with both your GP and Lynette.

Question 6

Is Self-care an important part of therapy?

Accepted Answer

Self-care is a crucial part of therapy, as small lifestyle changes can greatly improve your emotional and physical well-being. Lynette may recommend practices such as exercise, deep breathing, relaxation, and visualization exercises to help boost your mood and energy levels. She might also suggest reducing your intake of caffeine, alcohol, medications and recreational drugs, as well as prioritizing sleep for better overall health. If you encounter difficulties in any of these areas, it's important to bring them up in your sessions so that they can be addressed and integrated into your therapeutic work.

Question 7

Can I bring my children to the therapy session?

Accepted Answer

It’s recommended that you attend therapy without children, especially if the session is focused on individual or couples’ therapy. While it’s okay to discuss parenting concerns or issues related to your children during the session, the therapy is designed to provide a space for you (and your partner, if applicable) to focus on your thoughts, emotions, and relationship dynamics without distractions.

I understand that arranging childcare can be challenging for parents, but having a space where you can speak freely and openly with your partner or therapist is important for making progress. 
In short, while you can talk about your children in therapy, it’s not possible to bring them into the session with you. It’s important to create a space where you can focus on your own needs and goals.

Question 8

Does Lynette have special training?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Lynette has specialized training and extensive experience in working with couples. She has completed BACP-accredited training and research specifically focused on couple relationships, which is a solid foundation in understanding the dynamics and challenges that couples face.

In addition to her couples training, Lynette has a broad range of clinical experience, including Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Brief Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Reflective and Experiential Groups. This allows her to draw on various therapeutic approaches depending on the needs of her clients. She has worked with both individuals and couples, so she has a versatile skill set for addressing a wide range of emotional and relational issues.

Lynette’s training has been rigorous, with substantial supervised practice, ensuring that she meets the highest professional standards in the UK and internationally. This means you can trust that you’re working with a highly qualified and experienced therapist who is committed to providing the best care possible.

Question 9

Can counselling help with separation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, counselling can be very helpful during separation or divorce. It provides a supportive space to talk through difficult emotions and navigate the complexities of ending a relationship. Counselling can help you process feelings of grief, anger, confusion, or guilt, and offer guidance on how to manage the practical and emotional aspects of separation. It can also help reduce conflict and misunderstandings, allowing both partners to move forward with greater clarity and as little pain as possible.

Question 10

What do I do if I feel uncomfortable about something Lynette says or does?

Accepted Answer

Lynette has a warm and friendly approach to therapy; she can also be challenging. It's important to be open about your feelings, especially if you disagree with something she says or experience a strong emotional reaction during a session. In therapy, just like in relationships, "rupture and repair" can occur—meaning misunderstandings or discomforts may arise, addressing them helps strengthen the process. It’s empowering for you to initiate conversations about any discomfort or negative feelings you may have about the therapy. Bringing up these issues can lead to deeper understanding and growth in your work together.

The therapeutic relationship is crucial for effective therapy. It requires a balance of trust, openness, and vulnerability on the part of the client, as well as sensitivity, attunement, and flexibility from Lynette.
Therapy can be a space where difficult, sometimes traumatic experiences come to the surface. This can be an unsettling process, but it's often essential for healing and growth. It's important to communicate openly with Lynette about what you're comfortable with and what feels too overwhelming, while also being open to exploring deeper or more challenging material when you're ready.

Lynette will be observing and identifying signs of distress and knowing when to adjust the pace. Sometimes it may be helpful for Lynette to slow things down, provide reassurance, or focus on coping strategies, depending on where you are in the process.

The key is collaboration: therapy is not just about Lynette directing the process but working together, respecting each other's input and boundaries. If at any point you're unsure or uncomfortable with the pace or direction, it's always helpful to share those feelings with Lynette. That way, both of you can ensure that the work you do together is supportive, meaningful, and effective.

Question 11

I’ve heard that therapy changes people, is this true?

Accepted Answer

The core principles of therapy might be described as a time for personal growth and change.

Therapy is a space where you can explore what’s working and what’s not in your relationship. By gaining awareness of the underlying causes of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, you can take proactive steps toward change—whether that means altering what you can control or learning to accept and cope with what you cannot.

Question 12

How do I schedule therapy sessions with Lynette?

Accepted Answer

To arrange or reschedule your therapy sessions, please use Lynette’s online diary. If you encounter any difficulties with the system or need assistance, feel free to email Lynette directly, and she will be happy to help.

Question 13

Ending Sessions with Lynette

Accepted Answer

The ending of each session is an important part of the therapeutic process. Lynette values ensuring that sessions conclude in a respectful and timely manner. This is a time to reflect on what has been achieved and to look forward to what's next. During this time, Lynette may offer follow-up sessions as needed, to continue reinforcing and embedding the work you’ve done together.

Frequently Asked Questions