FAQ

Counsellors, Psychotherapists, Hypnotherapists, and Complementary Therapy Practitioners are not mandated by law to be registered. The bodies responsible for registration, like BACP and UPC, follow a self-regulation model and focus mainly on monitoring their own members. It falls upon potential clients to make sure they select a therapist they trust, which requires them to undertake thorough research. Notably, public organizations such as the NHS and Social Services typically employ therapists with specific qualifications and appropriate insurance coverage.

Absolutely, your well-being and comfort are my top priorities. If you ever find that I’m not the right fit for you as a therapist, or if you experience any discomfort, please know that you have the freedom to discontinue our sessions without the need to provide a specific reason. Your feedback, however, is always valued.

Conversely, from my end, if I feel that our therapeutic relationship isn’t progressing as it should, or if there’s a sense of unease, I reserve the right to discontinue our sessions as well. It’s important that both parties feel comfortable and respected throughout our journey together.

It varies depending on what we are working on and individual responses and needs; however, I would suggest checking with your higher consciousness that knows the answer, so I’d advise you based on that information I received from them.

Certainly, both anxiety and depression are experiences that can be a natural part of life, and they are also associated with various psychiatric conditions such as PTSD and phobias. In cases where clients are receiving care from a psychiatrist or are on medication, it’s important for them to consult with Dr. da Costa initially. His guidance will help determine if it would be beneficial for me to work with them and what supportive role I could potentially play.

While my expertise is centered more around areas other than direct therapeutic practice, I have gained valuable insights through my role as a parent to two grown daughters. This experience has given me unique perspectives on navigating challenges that often arise during the teenage years, particularly with girls. If you believe my guidance and support could be beneficial to you in this aspect, I’m more than willing to offer assistance.

Furthermore, I’m also available to extend support to parents themselves, as I understand that parenting can sometimes be a complex journey. Feel free to reach out if you believe I could provide assistance or insights in these areas.

Dr. da Costa, who resides in Richmond, London, made the transition from full-time General Practice in Richmond in 2012 to pursue other interests. In addition to a book on Mental Health, he has authored works on Complementary Therapies and Weight Loss Diets. Although he is no longer registered with the GMC or insured as a doctor, he remains available to offer guidance to clients based on his perspective as a former GP. It’s important to note that he cannot prescribe and should not be considered a substitute for the client’s GP. While his advice in a psychotherapist’s capacity is not legally regulated, more details can be found in the provided in About section.

Taking care of my own mental well-being is essential for effectively assisting others with their mental health. To maintain a healthy balance, I’ll be mindful of the emotional demands of my caseload and prioritize moments of relaxation and self-care. This will allow me to cherish time with loved ones, engage in hobbies, and safeguard my personal energy from any negativity that may arise during my therapeutic practice.