Practitioner Psychologist Offering Online Therapy
Counselling is not just for people struggling with relationships, stress or major life transitions, it is to help improve an individual or couple’s Clarity, Confidence, and Wellbeing.
Counselling is about facilitating change. Change can sometimes happen quickly but in reality, long-standing change usually takes time; firstly, to understand, and then to implement and maintain.
The easiest way to book a counselling session is to fill in the form below and I’ll text or email you to confirm the details.
BA(Hons) Psychosocial (UEL, UK), MA Couns. Psych. (Wits)
HPCSA : PS 0123340 Prac. No. 0527165. The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), registration number: PYL 34501
Overcome Challenges, Gain Deeper Self-Insight and Awareness
As a registered Practitioner Psychologist, I believe the aim of counselling and psychotherapy is to find ways to maximise psychological well-being, quality of life, and self-fulfilment.
When Should You See a Psychologist?
When you feel overwhelmed by life's problems
Depression, anxiety or anger are taking over your life
You are having trouble with a major relationship
You are having difficulties coping with a serious illness
You or your loved one are having difficulties coping
Your job is too stressful and you can’t handle it anymore
You are experiencing addictive or substance use problems
You don’t know what to do, or where to turn for help
My Counselling Approach
When you see a Psychologist, the time you spend with them is all about you, your challenges and problems, and the steps you can take to overcome them. Even when you’re not facing any particular problems, having that “me time” can be hugely beneficial in helping you navigate and enjoy your everyday life. Talking with a professional can help you sort out your thoughts and feelings when things are difficult or confusing, and help you get back on track.
Why Stephen Laverack?
Experience
Stephen can integrate many of the most recognised counselling/psychotherapy approaches into working with individuals, couples, and groups’.
Adaptable
Have you tried counselling before and it didn’t work? Cross-training in multiple approaches has given Stephen the knowledge to adapt his approach as required.
Caring
Stephen cares about helping his clients through difficult situations – he believes that any person can improve the quality of their life.
Welcome To My Online Psychology Practice
I provide a confidential and safe space to allow my clients to open up and share their inner concerns. The goal of therapy for me is to support my clients to process their feelings and build a better sense of self through self compassion. I value your personal information as much as your mental health. The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) came into effect as of the 1 July 2021 which regulates how I process and store your personal information which this practice abides by. This includes:
- Requesting and collecting only the necessary Personal Information I require for the purpose of assisting you.
- Storing and securing your Personal Information in a reasonable manner against the risk of loss, unlawful interference, modification, unauthorised destruction and disclosure.
- Processing of your Personal Information in a lawful and reasonable manner so as not to infringe on your privacy.
How It Works
Step 1
Email or Whatsapp me to discuss your counselling needs.
Step 2
I do my best to offer my availability to cater to your needs.
Step 3
Meet with me either in person or online to begin your therapy session.
Let’s Discuss Your First Therapy Session
Want to find out more about my counselling services? Complete the form below and I’ll text or email you right back.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can a psychologist help?
Practitioner Psychologists have studied human behavior and the brain (including how people think, feel, learn and behave) and have been trained to assist people who are having challenges coping with emotions, thoughts and actions. This can include those experiencing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, addictive behaviours and childhood behaviour disorders.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
In the first few sessions, I’ll typically ask you questions about yourself, your life, and any presenting problems you would like to work on. Together, we’ll create a plan of how therapy can assist you with these problems, how many sessions it may take, and how frequently we should meet.
How many treatment sessions will be needed?
The length of treatment depends upon several variable including the nature and severity of the problem, the treatment goals selected, and the approach of the psychologist.
Can you prescribe medication if I need it?
Practitioner psychologists are not eligible to prescribe medication. However, a psychiatrist can assess you for a prescription, and this can complement your therapy work.
For couples therapy, do we have to attend sessions together?
Ideally, you will attend all sessions together as a couple. In instances where one of you is unable to attend, I can see the person who can attend.
How long are sessions?
Most sessions with individuals are 50 minutes long.
Is the information discussed in therapy confidential?
Communication between a psychologist and their client is protected by law, comparing it to attorney-client privilege. However, there are generally recognized exception to this confidentiality protection. Psychologists have a “duty to warn” if they learn that a client plans to harm themselves or another person, and psychologists are also legally obligated to report child abuse.
Can I have counselling by telephone or online?
For clients who prefer online or telephonic counselling, I do offer this as an option.
How is therapy different than talking to my friends?
Talking with friends is sometimes a good way to get support, but it’s not the same as talking to a professional, trained counselor. Psychologists are highly skilled with specialised training in helping people who are encountering difficulties and challenges in their lives. They can also provide an “outside”, objective perspective that is different than what your friends can provide.
How can I best benefit from my counseling sessions?
- Think about your specific concerns and why you are seeking counseling.
- Discuss a treatment plan that suits you with your counselor.
- Work towards establishing specific goals.
- Attend your sessions as scheduled and arrive on time.
- Be willing to explore behavioral changes outside of your sessions.
- If you feel that the process is not helpful to you, discuss it with your counselor.
Discover New Coping Strategies
Therapy can help you discover new coping strategies to manage current and future problems. Coping strategies are the intentional efforts you make to manage and minimize stress. Some coping strategies will resonate more with you than others.
A Sounding Board To Discuss Your Problems
Often people feel unable to share their feelings and issues with the people closest to them. Having someone who is a complete stranger, and who won’t judge you, can give you the freedom to talk about things you wouldn’t normally admit to others.
Re-evaluate Your Goals
Whether you want to better control your emotions, move on from your past or make a significant career change, talking to a counselling psychologist can help you get over those mental blocks you encounter and help you with a custom plan moving forward.
UK address
Offering online counselling at the moment