Mindful Therapist FAQ - Find out more about Laura Appel's Services.

What’s the first step?

Please email, text or phone letting me know days and time (morning/afternoon) of availability. I’ll then suggest a suitable appointment for us to have an initial meeting. This is 30 minutes and offered without charge, as it’s simply an opportunity for us both to get a feel for how it might be to work together and to explore whether I’m the right person to support you. You’ll have the space to tell me a little of what brings you to therapy at this time and hear a little about how I work.

If we both decide to continue and meet again, I’ll send you a written agreement for you to read and sign in advance

Do you offer online therapy?

For clients based in the UK that are unable to attend in person, I offer online video sessions on Microsoft Teams. I have completed specific training with the Karuna Institute to enable me to work in this way. I’m also happy to offer a flexible hybrid arrangement of in person and online to fit around your life.

How often will we meet?

Research has shown that clients show steeper therapeutic gains when meeting with their therapist weekly. I believe this is because it offers the best opportunity to develop a close therapeutic relationship, which is central to the work.

How long do I need to have therapy for?

This varies for everyone. It can last anywhere from six sessions to several months or years. It’s entirely up to you and depends on what you want and need. Some people come to therapy with a specific difficulty they need to work through and might find six sessions is enough. Other people come to therapy with more complicated struggles and feel they need longer. After we agree to work together, I ask that we commit to 6 further sessions, after which, we’ll review and decide how we’d both like to move forward.

There are lots of different approaches? How do I know which one is right for me?

Research has shown that regardless of the therapeutic approach, the most important predictor of effective therapy is that the client feels they have a good relationship with their therapist. What makes a relationship good will differ for each of us but generally feeling safe, listened to and understood by your therapist results in the most effective therapeutic outcomes. It may be a good idea to speak to more than one therapist to find the right person for you. I am a strong believer in the power of a trusted relationship.

What are your fees?