Frequently Asked Questions about Therapy

It is common to have questions about therapy, particularly if you have not seen a consultant psychiatrist or clinical psychologist before. Here we try to answer the most frequently asked questions for you.

What kind of mental health therapist do I need?

If you’ve not seen a mental health professional before, the numerous options for help can be daunting. You may feel like you are not coping with life’s demands as you were before. Maybe you’re experiencing difficult emotions that have now become intolerable. Perhaps it is friends and family that are telling you to “get help.”

Once you have made the decision to seek help, do you need to see a psychiatrist? A psychologist? A counsellor or other therapist? Which is better: a doctor (psychiatrist), PhD-level therapist (psychologist) or a Masters-level therapist (social worker, nurse practitioner, counsellor)?

Here at Seaglass Clinical Consulting we understand the challenges this can bring. This page offers further information in order to help you decide. We are also happy to talk you through the options available depending on your needs – give us a call today on 747-7778.

What types of psychological therapies do you offer?

Our main area of expertise is in Mentalisation Based Therapy (MBT) and MBT-C for children between 5 and 12.

However we can also offer:

See our Therapy-related definitions page for more information.

What does psychological therapy look like?

A typical therapy session is 50 minutes long (this is a therapeutic hour; the therapist uses the last ten minutes for reflections, note-taking and administration for each patient). It could look different depending on the type of therapy. Your therapist will be able to outline this for you during the assessment session. 

Will I need to lie on a couch and talk about myself?

This remains a common misconception. There is a specific therapy called psychoanalysis in which this is the approach. While it still has its place, most modern therapy sessions consist of you and the therapist sitting in comfortable chairs and having a conversation. You should never be forced to talk about subjects you do not want to discuss.

How will my therapist know which therapy will suit me?

During your initial sessions your therapist will ask about your reasons for seeking help. To better understand you as a person they will ask you about your current life circumstances and some details about your past history. You only have to talk about whatever you are comfortable disclosing.  During these sessions, you will be able to determine if you feel comfortable talking to the therapist; and the therapist will be able to determine where to focus and what modality to use. At the end of the assessment period your therapist will provide you with their clinical opinion and propose a treatment plan.

What if I don’t feel my therapist is a good ‘fit’?

This is a common question about therapy that is often not asked. Professionals do not take it personally; there are many elements here that could be at play. Be honest and your therapist will recommend someone else with whom you may have a better rapport.

How much does it cost?

All private insurance providers reimburse for our psychiatric and psychological services, although they differ in the amount and the number of sessions they will cover. At present none of them reimburse at the level recommended by the Bermuda Health Council which means that co-payments are required.

Please refer to our Cancellation Policy and Payment Policy & Fee Schedule for further details. In addition we would ask that you personally consult with your insurance provider to establish both their reimbursement per session and also how many sessions they allow annually.

If you believe you will have difficulty meeting the co-pay requirements, we are more than happy to discuss ways to make therapy affordable for you. 

What if I have to miss a session?

The more advance notice you can give us the better. We ask for at least 72 hours in most cases. Please see our Cancellation Policy for details.

What about the other therapies you offer with animals or art or drama?

Should there would be merit in working in this way, your therapist will explain the clinical basis and what sessions would look like. It is usual to have two therapists for this way of working so the cost would be slightly increased but the course of treatment is usually shorter.

What if my funds are limited and I can only afford a few sessions?

Let your therapist know at the outset and then you can collaborate on a treatment plan and a type of therapy that will be most beneficial to you in the short-term. For example, sometimes we choose one or two issues to concentrate on or specific symptoms to target in order to lessen immediate distress. 

How will I know when it’s time to finish therapy?

After several sessions you should have a good working relationship with your therapist and you will both have a sense of the arc of the therapy. Ending of therapy issues are flagged up several sessions ahead in order to give time for adjustment and closure. 

Do I take breaks from therapy?

Of course; both you and your therapist will probably have some vacation time scheduled, people get sick and life happens. The breaks are actually seen holistically as part of the therapy. Normally you will have had at least four sessions before any break so your therapist will be able to test if you have internalised some of the skills you need. Any breaks should be spoken about well in advance and prepared for when possible. 

What if I am sometimes suicidal or I self-harm?

Working with risk is part of our area of expertise. There are various ways that this can be managed but you will be encouraged to be open about any such thoughts . You and your therapist can then collaborate on a detailed crisis plan to help keep you safe in times of distress.

What if I need medication or other health issues arise?

If we determine that you might need a psychiatric assessment we will discuss a referral with you; we can talk you through the options in session. We also work together with other health professionals such as clinical dieticians and movement specialists and we can make a referral for joint working.

My parent/child/partner/friend/colleague really needs help but won’t see a therapist. What can I do?

Unfortunately, for therapy to have a good chance of working the person undergoing treatment has to be somewhat open to it and responsible for making appointments. ‘Forced’ therapy rarely has any substantial positive effects. However, many people can be ambivalent about the process.

One approach we find helpful is to schedule a ‘psycho-education’ session where the person can ask questions and learn what to expect from therapy while only revealing information that they are comfortable disclosing. Call us on 747-7778 to discuss further.

My parent/child/partner/friend/colleague actively needs help and may be a danger to themselves or other people.

Encourage them to go to the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute (MWI) between 9am and 5pm or the Emergency Room at King Edward Memorial Hospital 24/7. They can present without an appointment if it is an emergency and will be assessed; they will not necessarily require an inpatient stay. 

You or the person you are worried about can also call the MWI 24-hour Mental Health Crisis Line: (441) 239-1111

Call 911 if they refuse and you are very worried about their safety. The emergency services are used to these types of calls and can help.

Still unsure if the person’s mental state warrants an emergency intervention? Please call us in confidence on 747-7778 and talk it through.

Any other questions about therapy

If you have any other questions about therapy, please call us on 747-7778 or complete our secure referral form here.