April is National Stress Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the impact stress has on our mental and physical well-being. As stress levels continue to rise in today’s fast-paced world, we wanted to prioritise healthy stress management.
Here at Optimal Dental Health, we’re taking a proactive approach to highlight the importance of recognising, reducing, and treating stress to improve not just your oral health, but overall health and well-being too.
Meet Our Psychotherapist Alison Goolnik
We’ve sat down with Psychotherapist Alison Goolnik, who offers talking therapy at Optimal Dental Health, Baker Street. She uses a combination of different therapeutic approaches to help our clients and brings a wealth of experience to the practice.
Whether you’re seeking to overcome specific anxieties like dental anxiety or general worries, anxiety or issues such as low self-esteem, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma or job burnout, Alison will work with you to improve your well-being, build resilience and achieve lasting positive change.
Alison is a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and an accredited registrant member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). Also WPA and BUPA recognised.
Does talking therapy actually work?
Psychotherapy can benefit many people and has been shown to be effective at improving your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Therapy can help you manage a range of different issues and can offer invaluable support and a space to talk through challenging experiences. Through therapy you will develop coping strategies, deepen self-awareness, improve communication skills and develop healthier thought patterns, leading to a more fulfilling life.
How do I know if I should see a therapist?
Therapy can benefit everyone, even if you don’t feel you have a specific reason to see a therapist. However, if you are struggling to cope, feeling anxious, overwhelmed, sad or suffering any kind of emotional distress, seeking support from a psychotherapist can be very helpful. Especially when these feelings are affecting your well-being, therapy offers a path to positive change.
What happens during a therapy session?
A therapy session is a personal space for you to talk and reflect about any specific issue or past experiences, relationships, anything you would like to discuss.
In our first session, I will get to know you, gain a deeper understanding of your experiences and we will set therapeutic goals. As therapy progresses, we will explore your thoughts and feelings together, keeping these goals in mind.
How do I find the right therapist for me?
Good question! Most therapists offer a free initial phone call, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the therapist’s approach, areas of expertise, fees and location. This call is a chance for you to get a feel for the therapist and determine if they are the right fit for you.
There are various online directories for therapists and counsellors, which can prove useful for many people, as well as referrals and recommendations. Finding the right therapist can take time, but be patient; the right therapist will ultimately lead to more beneficial therapy. If you feel your current therapist isn’t right for you, it is perfectly acceptable to seek a different one.
How long does a therapy session last?
Each therapy session lasts 50 minutes and it will usually take place at the same time and day every week.
What can I talk about in therapy?
You can talk about anything you like in one of my therapy sessions! The session is a safe, confidential, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings and for you to speak about whatever is impacting your wellbeing.
How many therapy sessions do clients normally need?
Therapy is a personal process and as each individual’s journey is unique, the duration of therapy is tailored to your specific needs. I offer short-term therapy, which can be anything from 6 to 12 sessions, or long-term, which can be months or years.
How much does therapy cost at Optimal Dental Health?
At Optimal Dental Health, each therapy session costs £120. You can call the team on 020 3921 1000 or e-mail Alison directly at alison@therapyhere.co.uk. You can also visit Alison’s website here.
