Frequently Asked Questions

The terms are often used to mean the same thing. Sometimes psychotherapy is associated with work that happens over a longer period of time and sometimes with more frequent sessions, such as twice a week. Both are called “talking therapies”. We talk and think together about what you are going through, so you can understand yourself and your experiences better.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. That’s why I offer a free phone call of up to 20 minutes where you can ask your questions and find out a bit more with no commitment. To book a time, please email me: contact@severinerobitailletherapy.co.uk

Most people find it helpful to talk to someone impartial, who can listen without judgement.

It is easy to be confused by all the different types of therapy that are offered. That’s why I offer an initial free phone call followed by two consultation sessions to make sure the way I work suits you.

I work using a psychodynamic approach, which means that I believe our present actions are often connected to our past. In therapy we explore not only the issues troubling you now but also try to understand their possible roots in earlier experiences. You can read more about this approach in Sarai Monk’s BACP article on psychodynamic therapy (opens in new tab).

Rather than trying to work it out alone, send me an email and we can have a free call to discuss this.

A session lasts 50 minutes. There is no pre-defined structure, although over time we might notice a certain pattern or rhythm to the sessions. You are free to talk about what you want. You can talk freely, bring dreams or say whatever comes to mind. I will help guide you during the session to explore your thoughts and feelings.

Unlike cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), there is no homework. Some people find it useful to write things down after a session or journal in the week, but this is a personal preference.

There is no need for a referral. The first step is to reach out to book a free 20-minute phone call.

• Email: contact@severinerobitailletherapy.co.uk
• Message me on WhatsApp (opens in new tab)
• Text: 07368 813 030

Please note I do not take direct calls, so please email or message.

I call the first two sessions consultations, but you might also hear them called assessments.

They are a way of us getting to know each other. I find out more about what brought you here now and we might explore your background, what it was like growing up, your relationships... You also get to see what it feels like to work together.

In the second session we would typically decide if we are a good fit for each other and if we want to continue working together. It might just not be the right time to start therapy, or there might be something else that would be more useful to you now. We would also decide on when and where we meet and if we want to fix a set number of sessions or not.

You can read more about how I work on my Working with me page.

It is important to choose someone who has the training and qualifications to work as a therapist. Therapists should be part of a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), which sets strict standards of practice. Each body has a register of members that you can check.

I am a registered member of the BACP and I abide by their ethical framework.

For therapy to progress, it is important to form a connection with your therapist. This can take time, but the initial consultations are a chance to see how this feels for you.

You can read about my qualifications and training on my About me page.

In addition, I do a minimum of 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development each year.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), membership number 417038, and I abide by their ethical framework. You can check my membership on the BACP register (opens in new tab).

Sessions last 50 minutes and are charged at £80. I am sometimes able to offer a reduced rate depending on your circumstances. Please email me to ask about it: contact@severinerobitailletherapy.co.uk

More detail on payment and location is on my fees and practicalities page.

This is very much up to each individual and what brings you to therapy. In our first consultations, I help you decide if you want to have therapy over a short period of time, such as 12 sessions, or if we work without a fixed end date. As the work progresses, we keep this conversation open and can review it.

We would usually agree to meet on a fixed day and time once a week. This is something we would discuss in our first consultations and we can review as our work progresses. Sometimes it might only be possible to meet fortnightly, or we might decide it would be better to meet twice a week.

I work in person on Mondays in Central London, near King’s Cross, in a building with lift access that is wheelchair accessible. I also work in person in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, including outdoors for walk-and-talk therapy.

Online and phone sessions are available Tuesday to Friday, via Google Meet or WhatsApp call. If you are looking for a different day or location, please get in touch.

Yes, I offer sessions in both English and French. Séances disponibles en français.

A very important part of the relationship between therapist and client is confidentiality, and as such everything discussed in the session is kept in the strictest confidence.

There are a few exceptions to confidentiality:

• if I believe there is a significant risk of harm to yourself or to others
• if you tell me about a serious crime, either one that has happened or one that is planned
• if the law requires me to share information, for example in cases of terrorism or a court order

I would, where possible, let you know before I share anything.

Unfortunately not. I do not offer an emergency service.

If you need urgent help, please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time. If your life or someone else's is in immediate danger, call 999.