FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does therapy last?
The length of therapy differs depending on your goals and preferences. You and your therapist may decide to work in a more short-term, goal-focused way. Alternatively, you may opt for a more open-ended approach that gives you space and time to explore deeper concerns over a longer period of time. It will be something that you and your therapist will discuss to come to an agreement that best supports your needs.
How often will I have sessions?
Therapy tends to be more effective when attended consistently, with weekly or fortnightly sessions being most common at the beginning of therapy. Your therapist will take into account your needs, availability, and financial circumstances when planning frequency of sessions.
How do I know if therapy is the right step for me?
People come to therapy to get support with a wide range of difficulties. You don’t need to wait until things feel overwhelming or unmanageable to benefit from therapy. If you’re feeling stuck, stressed, emotionally low, facing a life transition, or simply want to understand yourself better, talking to a therapist can be a valuable step. Therapy isn’t just for crises, it is a space for reflection, growth, and support. If something is impacting your wellbeing or quality of life, even in a subtle way, exploring this with a therapist can be a helpful step.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes, therapy is confidential. Harper Psychology therapists adhere to a professional code of ethics and are committed to creating a safe, private space where you can speak openly. There are some important and rare exceptions to confidentiality. If your therapist believes there is a serious risk of harm to yourself, to others, or if required by law (such as through a court order), they may need to share relevant information. Wherever possible, this would be discussed with you first.
In line with professional standards, all therapists receive regular clinical supervision. This is a confidential and essential part of good therapeutic practice, designed to support your therapist in working safely and effectively. Confidentiality and your rights will be discussed with you in more detail at the start of therapy, so you can be fully informed and supported.
Do you offer in-person and online sessions?
Yes, we offer both options to ensure therapy is as accessible and flexible as possible. You can choose the format that best suits your needs and circumstances, and your therapist will be happy to discuss what works best for you.
What happens if I miss my appointment?
If you need to cancel or reschedule a session, we ask that you provide at least 48 hours’ notice. This allows us to offer the appointment time to someone else who may be waiting.
If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, or do not attend your appointment, you will be charged the full session fee. We understand that emergencies happen, and your therapist will consider individual circumstances where appropriate.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
The waiting time for an appointment can vary depending on when you get in touch and the current availability of our therapists.
However, we always aim to offer you an appointment within one to two weeks, and we’ll do our best to match you with a suitable therapist based on your needs and availability.
Please feel welcome to get in touch with any other questions you may have. Our email address is: info@harperclinicalpsychology.com