FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Frequently asked questions

What Happens in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy Sessions?

Therapeutic sessions are private and confidential sessions between client and the therapist. Since most people are anxious before their first therapy sessions the therapist is trained to put your mind at ease. Your consultation is a purely confidential session. Whatever you say to your therapist is between you and your therapist. Confidentiality will only be breached when it involves a situation of child abuse or that which will cause harm to you or someone else. During your first therapy session your counsellor will take some general personal details to understand your need for therapy. You can expect to be heard, listened to and respected during your sessions. Therapists are genuine caring people. They have an interest in you as a person and would like you to make informed decisions. Visiting a therapist for some people is a very difficult decision to make. The question is, would you prefer to protect your pride at the expense of your relationship? Experts have found that only 5% of troubled relationships seek therapy where others break down 5-6years before they ever get to therapy. While some negotiate healthy separations and divorce, others have acrimonious relationships following separation and divorce. Why not make an informed decision now? Avail of counselling at NewPage Counselling.



Do I really need relationship therapy?

Do I really need relationship therapy? Have you noticed that relationship is a key aspect of life? Unfortunately we often come across obstacles like poor communication, intimacy issues, low self-esteem, sexual dysfunctions, etc., that turn our initial harmonious feelings into dreadful and torturous situations. You are not alone. Your therapist understands your anxiety about seeking help. She is trained to guide you to resolve your difficulty and to return to a state of harmony. Sometimes, because of shame, ego or limited information, we continue to consciously or unconsciously pollute our relationships either by our words, actions or inaction. When the relationships become toxic, we begin to react to the toxic situations. We start to blame each other, we become victims of situations that we co-created. In most cases, our innocent children become the real victims! It is time to stop. Turn a new page and call +353 89 941 0887 for a free consultation. This is a private and confidential service and together we shall explore your situation and help you to develop new skills for healthy and more intimate relationship. Take the first step, turn a new page and let your sun shine again!



Can Old Age or Disability exclude me From Therapy?

No. Therapy is for everyone and your therapist can help you to explore a pattern that suits your condition in life. she knows that satisfaction in life varies depending on individual situation. Therapy also helps older couples where there is loss of sexual desire or where sex has ceased to be part of the relationship. Therapists are highly trained in different problems as outlined in this website and can help you to explore your problems in different ways.



What if I’m not in a relationship?

You do not need to be in a relationship to avail of therapy if your problem is preventing you from starting a relationship. However, if you are in a relationship, attending with your partner can maximise the benefits of therapy in relation to your problem. Therapy is also suitable for individuals especially those who lack confidence in their sexuality and are afraid to start relationships. Therapy could be for other issues such as relationship difficulties with children, guilt, grudges e.t.c.



Do I need to attend my GP first?

Although doctors can refer clients to Psychosexual/Relationship Therapists, you do not have to wait for your doctor to refer you to a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist. However, if there is a possibility that your problem is medically related then you may be asked to see your doctor.



How long does therapy take?

Therapy is about 50 minutes per session. It could be a brief therapy lasting a few sessions or a long term therapy lasting for a long period. The length of time spent on therapy depends on the nature of the problem. Generally, therapy is not a long term treatment however, the length of therapy depends on a number of factors such as: the duration, nature and history of the problem, commitment to therapy sessions and more importantly, practicing the exercises that are recommended by your therapist.



What can I expect from couples therapy?

As a relationship therapist I help couples to understand the root cause of their problems. I help them to develop skills so they can address their problems with respect and empathy.



How do you help Individuals?

I am genuinely interested in the specific thought process and belief system of clients, I try to see the world through client’s eyes and to understand their problems. You can only solve a problem that you understand.



How is relationship therapy different from counselling from parents, religious leaders, etc

Relationship therapy is different from other forms of counselling because a therapeutic intervention is based on certain theoretical frameworks. They abide by professional codes of ethics and guiding principles. They are non-judgemental and are able to relate their advice to the situation at hand, the point in time and the particular place; while some non-professional counsellors based their counselling on personal experiences or some doctrines that do not meet the clients’ current needs



What kind of issues can we bring to relationship therapy?

Anything that can affect you or your relationship: anger, anxiety issues, bereavement, grief, loss, trauma, low libido, suicidal feelings, challenges in parents and children relationships, problems with in-laws etc. In summary, there are no limitations on what issues you can talk about.



I'm anxious about starting therapy, is this normal?

This is absolutely normal. Clients are often anxious about coming to therapy for the first time. I calm their nerves by addressing their concerns about therapy. I ask for a brief summary of the problem in order to determine suitability for therapy. A full assessment is conducted if suitable followed by a specially designed intervention program.



What sessions do you offer?

Depending on the client’s situation, I offer one on one sessions, couple session, group sessions, online coaching and workshops/presentations.



How long does it take for therapy to yield results?

Results can be seen within a few sessions however, progress in therapy depends on a client’s commitment to therapeutic exercises.



Who is Individual therapy for?

In a nutshell, therapy is for everyone and anyone who thinks there is some part of their life that is not quite right. e.g. - Someone who is considering the need to be in an intimate relationship? people who desire better control of their emotions - Widows or widowers who are once again exploring intimacy - People dealing with loss, depression, low-self-esteem, trauma and repressed memories etc. - Teenagers who need to satisfy their curiosity or have their questions answered - Those who want to be able to handle new social issues that come with growing up. Everyone needs some sort of counselling at one point or another.



How do you ensure confidentiality?

Our sessions with any client is strictly confidential except where there is risk of harm to the client or others. Clients who come for counselling enter and exit through different doors and even have their sessions timed and scheduled to minimize the chances of bumping into each other.



What is the difference between counselling and therapy?

Counselling gives clients new insights into their past and present behaviours in such a way that they feel more empowered to change their unhealthy behaviours while therapy involves giving specific instructions to clients such that if duly observed, they result in physical repair or better functioning of a part or parts of a person’s body. For instance physiotherapy is for bones, Occupational therapy is for body fitness for specific functions and psychotherapy is for brain or mental fitness.



Is a sex surrogate different from a sex therapist?

Yes: A sex surrogate is a sex specialist who is paid to give sexual experience to clients while a psychosexual therapist gives verbal instructions and physical exercises that are meant to be done privately by clients in their own homes. Such therapeutic sessions are meant to have physical and emotional effects on clients in a way that the presenting problems are resolved. Examples of sexual problems in plain terms are: - Erectile problems - Ejaculating too fast - Delayed Ejaculation - Arousal difficulty - Painful penetration - Lack of orgasmic experience etc.