SHORT-TERM HELP

Primary care psychological therapy

Primary care psychological therapy is a practical, pragmatic intervention that is geared to solving the complaints presented by the client. This type of therapy follows from a referral by a family doctor or a company medical officer. Provided that I have first obtained the client’s consent, I may consult the family doctor or company medical officer about the best course of treatment to follow (see the link opposite to the consent form).

Therapy

A therapy is a course of treatment designed to resolve one or more specific complaints or problems. Whether these are problems arising at work or at home, i.e. business or life problems, they have in common the fact that they prevent you from living your life the way you want to. The aim of treatment may be any of the following:

to enhance your social skills;
to make you more assertive;
to help you regain your sense of autonomy;
to help you to cope with stressful situations;
to improve your communicative skills
to address issues relating to sexuality and identity;
to resolve a conflict;
to help you cope with trauma and emotionally disturbing events;
to treat a damaged self-image;
to help you cope with a bereavement;
to gain a better understanding of the problem in relation to your personality;
to enhance your problem-solving ability;
to improve your coping style.

Method

After the intake meeting, we will decide together on the most appropriate type of therapy. In order to derive the greatest possible benefit from a primary care psychological therapy, you are expected to be motivated and to show a sense of responsibility. This means making full use of any exercises you may be asked to do. In most cases, you can expect the therapy to make a difference (in terms of impact or change) within some eight to ten sessions.