What to expect from cognitive behavioural therapy.
Therapy and counselling are two very different things; they both have different approaches and different results. And the idea of therapy can be very intimidating if you do not know what to expect. From your therapist you can expect:1. A safe, calming environment.The room you are in should be soundproofed, particularly if there is a waiting room close by. This is a basic matter of confidentiality and should always be addressed. 2. Confidentiality.Therapists are bound by client confidentiality and can only break this if they believe that you are a danger to yourself or others. 3. Professional behaviour.As much as I liked my therapist he was an incredibly forgetful man and would very often forget to bring my notes leaving us quite far behind in my schedule. You should be able to expect professional behaviour from a therapist. 4. An assessment.Your therapist will need to assess whether cognitive behavioural therapy will be the right course of action for you. This process can take up to about six weeks. 5. Regulations.All registered therapists are bound by the BACP (British association for counselling and psychotherapy) guidelines. If they are found to be in breach of their ethical framework then this needs to be reported. Each experience of therapy is different, but there are some things that must remain the same. If you feel that your therapist is not abiding by any of these rules then you are within your rights to complain.
