If you're considering counselling or psychotherapy, it's normal to have questions about how therapy works and what to expect. Here are answers to some of the questions people commonly have before getting in touch.
About therapy
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both involve talking with a trained professional to understand difficulties, emotions, relationships and patterns of behaviour.
Some people think of counselling as focusing on a particular current difficulty and psychotherapy as involving broader or longer-term exploration, but in practice there can be considerable overlap. The approach we take will depend on what brings you to therapy and what you would like to get from it.
What can counselling and psychotherapy help with?
People come to therapy for many different reasons. These can include anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, shame, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties, work or life changes, questions about identity and experiences connected with sexuality.
You don't need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what is wrong before starting therapy. Sometimes the starting point is simply knowing that something doesn't feel right or that you would like to understand yourself better.
What therapeutic approaches do you use?
I work integratively, which means drawing on different therapeutic approaches rather than expecting every person to fit a single model.
My work is informed by humanistic and psychodynamic approaches, alongside Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Humanistic approaches emphasise the therapeutic relationship and each person's individual experience and capacity for growth. Psychodynamic thinking can help us understand how earlier experiences, relationships and patterns may continue to influence the way we feel and relate to ourselves and others in the present. CBT and ACT can also offer more structured and practical ways of understanding and responding to thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
We can consider together which ways of working are most appropriate for you and the difficulties you are experiencing.
Do you offer CBT in East London?
Yes. CBT can form part of integrative therapy where it is appropriate and useful. I am not a CBT specialist.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy explores relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviours and can provide practical ways of understanding and responding differently to difficulties.
My practice is based in Bethnal Green, East London, and I also offer online sessions.
Do you offer LGBT+ affirmative therapy?
Yes. I work affirmatively with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other LGBT+ clients.
Therapy can provide a confidential place to explore sexuality, gender, relationships, identity, shame, discrimination or other difficulties without assuming that being LGBT+ is itself a problem.
You are equally welcome to come to therapy for something completely unrelated to your sexuality or gender.
Starting therapy
How do I know if therapy is right for me?
You don't need to be certain before making contact.
An initial conversation gives us an opportunity to discuss what has brought you to therapy, what you would like help with and whether working together feels appropriate. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of whether I might be the right therapist for you.
What happens in the first therapy session?
The first session is an opportunity for us to begin understanding what has brought you to therapy.
We may talk about what is happening in your life now, relevant experiences from your past and what you would like to change or understand. You can also ask questions about therapy and how we might work together.
There isn't an expectation that you disclose everything immediately. Therapy can develop at a pace that feels manageable.
How long will I need therapy?
There isn't a single answer.
Some people want focused work on a particular problem over a relatively short period, while others find longer-term therapy helpful for understanding longstanding patterns, relationships or experiences.
We can discuss this when we meet and review our work as therapy progresses.
How often are therapy sessions?
Therapy will usually take place at a regular agreed time. Consistency can be an important part of developing a useful therapeutic relationship.
We can discuss the frequency and practical arrangements when you enquire.
About the therapist
Who is the therapist at East London and City Therapy?
East London and City Therapy is the private practice of Carlo Ricciardi MSc, MBACP, a counsellor and psychotherapist based in Bethnal Green, East London.
I work with adults experiencing a range of emotional and psychological difficulties and offer both face-to-face and online therapy.
Are you a BACP-registered therapist?
Yes. I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
BACP is one of the UK's principal professional bodies for counselling and psychotherapy.
Location and online therapy
Where is East London and City Therapy?
Face-to-face sessions take place at:
18 Victoria Park Square
Bethnal Green
London E2 9PB
The practice is in Bethnal Green in East London.
Do you offer counselling near Bethnal Green?
Yes. My face-to-face counselling and psychotherapy practice is based in Bethnal Green, E2.
The location can be convenient for people living or working in Bethnal Green and surrounding parts of East London, as well as people travelling from the City of London.
Do you offer online counselling and psychotherapy?
Yes. Online therapy is available as an alternative to meeting face-to-face.
Some people prefer online sessions because of work, travel, accessibility or simply because they feel more comfortable speaking from home. We can discuss whether online or in-person therapy is likely to suit you when you enquire.
Is online therapy different from face-to-face therapy?
The underlying therapeutic work is similar, although the experience can feel different.
Some people strongly prefer being in the same room as their therapist, while others value the convenience and privacy of joining from their own space. Neither format is automatically better; what matters is finding an arrangement in which you can engage comfortably with the work.
Privacy and practical questions
Is therapy confidential?
Confidentiality is an important part of therapy.
There are, however, limited circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken, particularly where there are serious concerns about safety or where disclosure is required by law. I will explain confidentiality and its limits when we begin working together.
How much does therapy cost?
Current session fees and practical information are available on this website. If you're unsure which option applies to you, you are welcome to ask when you enquire.
How do I enquire about therapy?
You can contact East London and City Therapy through the enquiry form on this website.
You don't need to write a detailed account of what is happening. A short message explaining that you're interested in therapy and giving a general idea of what you'd like help with is enough to begin.