What is Solution Focused Therapy?
Solution Focused Therapy is a person-centred approach. This means that your individual hopes, strengths and resources are at the heart of what we do. The role of a solution focused therapist is to ask questions that support you to access those strengths and resources and draw on them to help you overcome the challenges you face. For more information on the solution focused approach, read my blog here.
What are meditative techniques?
Where appropriate and with your consent, in sessions we can uses progressive relaxation techniques to help you achieve a state of inner relaxation and focus. This can help you to process what we have worked on in session without distractions, as well as supporting you to remain calm, relaxed and focused on positive change.
What do I have to do?
There is only one thing you will be asked to do which is to cooperate and engage in the therapeutic process. You will usually sit on a couch or comfortable chair for the duration of the session. If attending the session online or over the phone, you will be asked to find a comfortable space where space where you can talk confidentially. Sessions last one hour and we may explore an informal task or thinking point for you to focus on before our next session.
Will I have to relive distressing experiences?
Solution Focused Therapy does not take you back to past experiences, unless this is led by you and you feel it would be helpful to process an experience by talking it through. The focus is on the present, and future, exploring goals and positive changes you wish to make, and identifying any thought patterns, habits and feelings that you might experience as barriers to this change.
Will I need to do anything in between sessions?
Where appropriate, I will provide you with a task, a focus to think about, or a talking point to discuss with a friend or family member, or write down your thoughts about.
How do online and telephone sessions work?
Online and telephone consultations take the same form as face-to-face sessions. Many clients prefer online sessions as they find it easier to relax in the comfort of their own home, and don’t need to travel anywhere for an appointment. If you wish to book an online or telephone session please ensure you have a strong internet connection or phone signal, and somewhere you can comfortably relax without being disturbed.
Do I also need to see a GP?
If you are in any way concerned for your health, please book an appointment with your local GP. These sessions serve as an addition to, rather than a replacement for medical help.
Do you work with children?
I have an Enhanced DBS certificate to work with both children and vulnerable adults. I have supported both children and vulnerable adults and families in my work across multiple mental health charities in Bristol and across the UK. I currently work in NHS CAMHS, supporting children as young as 6 with an integrated therapeutic approach.
If you are considering sessions for a younger family members, please get in touch via email hello@issymartin.co.uk. I am happy to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.
Issy Martin 