The demand for counselling and psychotherapy services is at an all time high; waiting lists are long and the choice of suitable talking therapies in the NHS and charitable organisations is limited. The talking therapies available in the NHS are mostly limited to Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for 6-8 weeks, which often does not provide enough time for many people to explore and get to the core of their difficulties. The staff may only be trained in CBT and unable to offer any other services.
The benefit of having private therapy is that it is likely to be available immediately. Depending on the training of the therapist, they are likely to be able to tailor different models of therapy to your own individual needs, for as long as you need the help. Additionally, within the NHS and charitable organisations often there is little choice in your allocated counsellor or psychotherapist. Evidence consistentently demonstrates that it is the fit between client and therapist (the therapeutic relationship) that is the most important factor in effective therapy.
Competent and ethical counsellors and psychotherapists will continously invest time and money into their training and supervision. These costs benefit the service that is offered to clients to ensure that the therapy is ethical, relevant and supported by evidence. For every hour that you are seen, the therapist is likely to have prepared for an hour or more on research, preparation and reflection. In order to ensure that my practice is safe, effective and grounded in research on 'What Works' I have a supervisor for private practice, group supervision and engage in monthly peer support groups.