FAQ

I am a cognitive therapist with a private practice in north London. Here are some answers to the most common questions my clients ask me – if you need any more information call 07766 704210, email dan@danroberts.com or use the Contact form. 

What happens in a session?

The first session is a one-hour assessment. This helps me understand which areas we need to focus on – and helps clarify what you want from our work together. We can then focus on the issue that feels most pressing for you right now (becoming less stressed, for example, or feeling more confident and assertive).

In each subsequent session, which lasts for 50 minutes, we will continue working on this issue. It's often helpful to focus on a particular moment when you felt stressed, say, or anxious, and look at everything you experienced in that moment. What were you thinking and feeling? What was happening in your body? What actions did you take? We can then explore which of these were unhelpful, and how to replace them with more helpful thoughts and actions in the future.

I will then give you homework, typically three things for you to do every day before we next meet. If you're stressed, these might be breathing exercises or ways of being more assertive with your boss, say, or a difficult colleague. What makes cognitive therapy so effective is that you will learn exactly what you need to do to make significant changes – and I will support and encourage you to stick to your plan.     

Which problems can I help with?

People generally seek therapy when they are fed up, stuck or frustrated – that nagging feeling that there must be more to life than this. Your frustration may be acute if you're stuck in a job you find boring or unfulfilling; a lack of self-belief or confidence might be holding you back; or you just feel aimless and lack direction. Whatever your problem, I can help.

If you are suffering from chronic stress, anxiety or depression, I will use cognitive therapy techniques. And if you're feeling very upset about a recent loss or painful event in your life, you may need some counselling first. This is a more gentle process, which will help you regain your strength until you are ready for the more dynamic approach of cognitive therapy – in which we will use techniques to understand and modify the negative thoughts or unhelpful behaviours that are making you unhappy.  

I am also a certified cognitive-behavioural coach and offer a highly effective style of coaching, which is based on CBT and approved by the British Psychological Society.

How long will it take?

That depends on the issue you're working on and a range of other factors. Some people find a short-term approach is enough, which typically takes 10 to 20 sessions. Other people – especially those working on a deeper issue – require a more long-term approach. I am happy to work both short and longer-term, depending on your particular situation and the issues you want to tackle.

Is it confidential?

Yes, everything we discuss will remain completely confidential. I am an associate member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and abide by their Ethical Framework, which includes a commitment to confidentiality.