FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Laura Porry Pastorel, Psychotherapist and Psychologist
Frequently asked questions about psychotherapy
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a non-judgmental, confidential and safe space to reflect with a trained and experienced specialist on emotional difficulties, pain and disorders.
What types of psychotherapy exist?
There are many types of psychotherapy and different theories and approaches in which qualified therapists specialise. The one I follow is the transcultural approach together with cognitive behavioural and gestalt techniques.
Who does the psychotherapist work with?
We work with single adults, couples, families, new or prospective parents, the elderly, children and young people.
How can psychotherapy help?
Psychotherapy has a strong power and can help with everything from emotional or mental health problems, psychosomatic problems, anxiety, pain, addiction, sexual problems and anything else that causes you suffering. It can help you achieve a specific goal or overcome a challenge. Psychotherapy can help you understand yourself better and realise your potential. You do not need to be in crisis or have a diagnosed mental illness to have psychotherapy.
Does psychotherapy work?
Yes. In addition to the personal testimonies of millions of people around the world who have been helped by psychotherapy, there is a large body of important literature.
How long do psychotherapy sessions last?
Individual sessions usually last 50 minutes.
How many sessions will I need?
Psychotherapy can be short-term or long-term. The number of sessions will depend on you, your therapist and the depth and complexity of the problems being worked on.
Does online therapy work?
Yes. Today more than ever it is a great way to work on ourselves and it goes well with the fast-paced life of modern times.
Is the first interview free?
The first interview costs the same as any other since it is the first step in taking care of ourselves. It is a crucial meeting to understand history, diagnosis and therapeutic intervention aimed at the well-being of the person who comes to my practice.
What does the cost of psychotherapy depend on?
The cost of psychotherapy, which is regulated by tables with maximum and minimum prices for each type of work, is justified by the copious number of years each therapist takes to train and by the ongoing study combined with supervision of his or her own work and personal psychotherapy. A good therapist never rests on the laurels of what he or she has learned, but continues to study and train in order to truly be a practical help to his or her patients.