Frequently Asked Questions
These answers are only relevant to the Humanistic Person-Centred (HPC) psychotherapy practice of Ambika Erin Connelly. If you are contacting another therapist, you may find it helpful to review their individual perspective.
What is psychotherapy?
- A 2-person process that focuses on change – past, present or future
- Counselling is another term used for this process, but in the Humanistic approach, there is little difference
How does it work?
- Client and counsellor agree to goals and how long they will work together before either reviewing or closing the relationship
- Sessions of approximately an hour happen weekly
- The content of sessions is, with specific legal exceptions, confidential. If a client I am working with might seriously harm themselves or others, I reserve the right to break confidentiality to appropriate persons; however, I would endeavour to discuss this matter with the client first
- During sessions, the counsellor works to understand, as best as possible, the client's experience
- The relationship is important to nurture growth
What is a therapeutic relationship?
- It is unusual, as its purpose is to concentrate on the client's experience
- It offers the client the space and support to explore the issues that have brought them to therapy
What is my approach, or professional orientation?
- Humanistic. There are many kinds of therapy, but my approach centres on the belief of human potential – any person is at any time doing their best to fulfil their potential
- Relational. I have done extensive training, but I strongly feel the client is the true expert of our work. To work together means an egalitarian relationship
How much?
- £40-45 per session in Derby and Nottingham, London rates on application
- I also have a few concession spaces available (students, NHS employees)
- If you are interested in counselling but can't afford it, I will try to refer you to a therapist, or an agency, that has concessions
Other information
- • I am a member of two governing bodies, UKCP and BACP, and carry professional insurance
- I see a supervisor regularly, to monitor the quality of work I offer my clients (this is also bound by confidentiality)
- I have a Masters in Humanistic Person-Centred Psychotherapy from the University of Birmingham
- Currently I am working towards Diploma in Supervision
