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Frequent Questions
General Questions
If you want to learn more about how we operate , take a look at our most frequently asked general below. If you’re still unsure, send us a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible
Where are you based?
We provide services from our consultation room in Edgbaston, Birmingham city centre. Although we provide face-to-face sessions here, we do also conduct online consultations which means we can arrange an appointment from anywhere in the UK
What are your qualifications?
Our therapists have worked in Healthcare for over 10 years and hold advanced degrees in Psychology & Counselling, Health Psychology, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychotherapy. You can find more in the About Us section at the top of the page.
Can I make a self-referral?
The short answer is yes. We welcome contact from anyone who feels that they require support. It can sometimes however be helpful to have a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional, as they may be able to provide more information about your difficulties- which will support the ongoing process.
What happens in the free consultation?
The 15 minute free consultation allows you to find out more information about Michael’s approach to psychotherapy, and for Michael to understand your difficulties and challenges. During this time, you may be asked some questions about what you have been experiencing and discuss how we would work to support you best. Following this, we can set up a suitable date and time for an appointment
What is your cancellation policy?
We have tried to make our cancellation policy as fair as possible. If you cancel your appointment within 24-48 hours, you will be required to pay 50% of your appointment fee. If you cancel within 24 hours notice, you will regrettably required to pay 100% of the appointment fee.
Therapy Questions
If you are unsure about how we do therapy at Swift Psychology, take a look at our most frequently asked therapy questions below. If you still have questions, feel free to send us a message!
What type of difficulties can therapy help with?
Therapy can be helpful for a range of difficulties and challenges. Some of the most common reasons that people find a psychotherapist is that they are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, low mood, phobias, trauma, anger management, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance misuse, low self-esteem or to change specific behaviours such as smoking.
How effective is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), is the gold standard for psychological talking therapies. The current research suggests that CBT is very effective for the treatment of psychological difficulties including anxiety, depression, PTSD and OCD.
What is the difference between CBT and Counselling?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy involves developing strategies and identifying negative behavioural and thinking patterns that are impacting your life. CBT has a greater emphasis on specific techniques whereas counselling places more emphasis on you taking the lead on exploring topics to help you move forwards.
How do I know the therapist is the right match for me?
Finding the right therapist is sometimes more important than the techniques themselves. If you feel comfortable with a therapist you are more likely to make progress throughout your sessions. That is why we provide the free consultation, in order for you gauge whether you think we can support you- sometimes however, this isn’t the case and this is equally as okay
Do you provide Crisis services?
Unfortunately, we do not provide Crisis or Inpatient services. Therefore if you require immediate support, we would strongly advise to contact your GP or to call 999 if there is the threat of immediate risk
Payment Questions
Unsure about payment options? Take a look at our most frequently asked payment questions below. If you’re still unsure about your query, feel free to send us a message!
How much are therapy sessions?
Our individual therapy sessions are priced at £95 and this includes 1 ‘therapeutic hour’. Meaning you will spend 50 minutes in discussion with your practitioner. If you choose to book a block of 6 sessions, this provides a an overall discount on the sessions.
When do I need to make payment?
You are required to make a payment at least 48 hours before your appointment. If a payment is not received prior to 48 hours, your appointment may be cancelled to allow someone else to take the session
Do you accept insurance plans?
At the moment we only accept Healix as an insurance provider. However, you can contact your insurer to enquire as to whether they are willing to fund your sessions
How do I make a payment?
Prior to commencing treatment you will be provided with a ‘contract’ (this is an outline of our commitments to you). In this contract you will be provided with the relevant account details to make payment to ahead of your appointment
Do I have to commit to pay for a certain number of sessions?
Absolutely not. If you are paying £95 per session, you are welcome to stop the therapy at any point and will not be charged for further sessions.
*Please be advised the 6 Session Therapy Package is non-refundable due to the commitment of your practitioner to the specific dates you will organise. Reasonable allowance will be made if you are required to cancel due to events out of your control