Mark Bailey
UKCP Registered Psychotherapist
Personalised, comprehensive & compassionate therapy in central London & online
Answering your questions
Before embarking on therapy of any kind it's important you know some important elements about how your Psychotherapist works and what is expected of them and you to make the process work well for you. I hope these answers help you. If you would like to book an initial phone consultation with me you can of course ask me any other important questions you have.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on what you need and what you want. I tend to work on a brief basis with clients - months not years. Sometimes people may just require just a handful of sessions but other people may really benefit from a more comprehensive plan of at least 20 sessions. No one is the same and I can advise you based on my experience and clinical guidelines from The National Institute for Clinical and Care Excellence for different issues.
What is your therapeutic approach?
I integrate a number of different methodologies into my work informed by both NICE Clinical Guidelines and my experience. Read more about my approach.
Can I read reviews from other clients.
Yes. My work is clinically reviewed by an impartial service called Doctify, an independent healthcare review platform, which collects verified patient reviews for thousands of healthcare professionals across the UK. Clients can submit an anonymised review of their therapy when they finish working with me - you can read these reviews here.
Does my GP need to know if I see you and will it be on my medical records?
No. Unless you wish me to liaise with your GP I won't - except in exceptional circumstances where I think you are in serious danger and even then I would still attempt to seek your permission to do so.
Can I bring someone else with me to my appointments?
If this helps you - absolutely. Sometimes people may want to bring someone just on the first session.
Do I have to talk endlessly about my childhood?
The type of therapies I use may include talking about your formative years as they can sometimes help explain things that can haunt our lives now. However therapy will not involve going round in circles or getting bogged down in the past. Our primary focus will be on changing patterns that are current in your life.
What are you working hours?
Generally I work online on Mondays and Tuesdays and in-person Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays 9 - 7pm but this does sometimes vary slightly.
How long would it be before you can see me?
Depending on my availability I usually see people within about 2 weeks but it may be that you might have to wait a little longer sometimes before we can see each other.
I have healthcare insurance - do you accept this.
I accept referrals for Allianz, AXA, Aviva, Cigna, Evernorth, Healix and WPA.
How do I know you know what you're doing?
I hold full clinical membership of the UK Council of Psychotherapy which means I have undergone rigorous training over 5 years under close clinical supervision to help people with a wide range of mental health issues. My continued clinical membership requires that my work is regularly monitored and I am committed in both my supervision and training to my own professional development for the benefit of my clients. I also really enjoy learning more too!
I am nervous about seeing a therapist and don't know what to expect.
Being nervous before therapy is a common feeling and one which we can talk through and in fact just doing this can be very helpful. You can expect a kind, warm, challenging and productive experience from me. While therapy may have its uncomfortable moments and demand effort and, it can also be enjoyable and relieving. Ultimately, it can lead to meaningful and rewarding outcomes. Whatever you need to talk about you can be assured of two things: Firstly I know what it's like to reveal my inner-most thoughts and worries with someone and secondly I will not judge you on what you say.