Problems & Conditions treated

The following problems are helped by Stress Management.

There are many more problems not listed, such as short temper, feeling unable to cope, mental and physical exhaustion etc, as these are all direct symptoms of stress.

(Click here for more on the effects and symptoms of stress.)

However, as some of these problems can be caused by medical conditions, patients are advised to see their GP's (medical doctor) before seeking stress management.

Choosing a therapist

The best way to find a therapist is to have one recommended by a friend or your G.P.
However, not all GP's will know of a good therapist and may refer you to a psychiatrist, or general counsellor instead.

Preferably choose a practitioner who has been practising for some time.

Like wine and cheese therapists get better with time !

Although many part-time therapists may help you as well as a full time therapist, they may not have the same level of experience.

You should feel comfortable with the therapist and after the initial consultation you should also know :-

1. Roughly how many sessions there will be, the duration and frequency of visits.
2. The costs involved.
3. An idea of how you will know when you've achieved what you want to.


It's a good idea for the therapist to explain what type of treatments they offer first, because this way you know where you stand and that they are not just saying things to agree with you.

The point of therapy is to help you regain control of your life, not for the therapist to control it for you. Even though the easy option seems for the therapist to 'make the problems go away', it is important to own the situation yourself & decide what YOU want to do and how YOU want to be. So, although therapists will mention types of problems they have helped before, take it as a warning sign if it feels like sessions are becoming more about the therapist being great, than about you progressing!

Discuss this with them, but if it continues, a change of therapist might be advisable.

Important considerations

In the UK at present, there is nothing in law to say that someone with no training or qualifications can't advertise themselves as a therapist !
For this reason it's important to choose a therapist with qualifications who is a registered member of professional bodies. Unfortunately, there is nothing in law to stop anyone setting up a company and calling it a professional body either ! So, click here to see some of the Professional Bodies that I believe are the most recognised, and worth being a member of.

Another important consideration is if they have professional indemnity / public liability malpractice insurance.

Practicalities

Remember, if the therapist is good at what they do, they will probably be quite busy seeing patients. So when you call don't expect them to always be available there and then.
Receptionists can often answer your questions, because they have heard it many times before, but anything you wish to discuss with the therapist, ask when they will be available and ring then.

A good therapist will be happy for you to have a friend along during the initial consultation. However, having someone in the room during an actual session can cause problems.

Some therapists record the relaxation sessions live while others may have an 'off the shelf' tape prepared. A live recording, to practice with between visits, is usually more relevant as it is personalised. This repetition reinforces and speeds up your progress. By doing this you also aquire the ability to relax yourself whenever you want to, for the rest of your life.

Information about the service offered

So what is Stress Management ?

An combination of therapy techniques are used to help you relax, identify the source of stress and reduce or eliminate the cause. No drugs or tablets are used.
The important thing is to concentrate on the solutions to problems, rather than just looking at the problems. This is called a Solution Focused, Client Centred, Brief Therapy Approach.

As this is a mouthful, the therapy is generally referred to as 'Stress Management'.

The methods used are a combination of Psychotherapy (CBT), N.L.P, Hypnotherapy & relaxation training, 'Gold' Counselling and specific Stress Management techniques.

The therapy is non-judgemental and completely confidential.

What Happens

A course of treatment usually varies from three sessions for stoping smoking (Relax, Stop & Booster) to ten sessions for severe anxiety / depression or large weight loss etc.
Depending upon the type, sessions range from half to one hour in length. Although, each session is booked in the diary for one hours duration.

An Initial Consultation is given to obtain a history, identify the problems from your perspective, work out what the solutions will be, and estimate the number of sessions required. This also includes an outcome expectation on how you will know when the solutions are achieved. (Without this step it's difficult to quantify success).

Depending upon the problems presented, sessions are initially weekly, but often stretch to fortnightly and even monthly in some instances. The Relaxation training / Hypnotherapy sessions are recorded live and given to you to practice with in between visits. Learning to relax and reinforce the positive suggestions.

Reasons against having therapy

Medication
Patients taking medication prescribed by thier GP (such as sleeping pills & anti-depressants) do not cause problems for the therapy, but some strong medications prescribed by Psychiatrists (such as major tranquillisers) could be a problem for relaxation training - as they will fall asleep !

Motivation
It can sometimes seem difficult to know who is really motivated for change and who is not. For example, people suffering from depression may not have the energy to seem motivated, but really do want change. The smoker may be fearful of gaining weight, but really wants to stop etc. All these types of patient are acceptable for treatment and should do well. However, there are other people who are not really emotionally motivated for change. These are referred to as Negative Dominant Personalities (-DP's). They often enjoy moaning about what's wrong and do not really want to change. They can also exhibit emotional bullying of others (overt or covert put downs) as a way of temporarily making themselves feel better.
Although everyone does this at some time, - DP's make it a way of life and, as such, are not suitable for a solution focussed therapy.

Basically, regardless of fears or doubts, if you really want to change things, you will do well.

Appointment times & location

Although some sessions require less time, all appointments are booked for one hour, on the hour. (To avoid confusion).

Appointments times are 10Am, 11Am, 12Pm, 2Pm, 3Pm, 4Pm, 5Pm, 7Pm & 8Pm (Finishing at 9Pm). These are usually Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday at East Grinstead, West Sussex (near Gatwick Airport).
(Monday's and Friday's are at different Clinics & Companies in London etc.)

Click here for a MAP.

Fees & Funding

With the exception of NHS funding, all fees are payable by the patient one session in advance and are non-refundable. A receipt is given for all fees.

In addition, appointments that are missed or cancelled with less than forty-eight hours notice attract the full session fee. This reduces the number of wasted hours, that other patients could have used.

Most patients pay for themselves privately. However, some Health Insurance Companies can re-imburse treatment fees, as follows :-

Private Health Cover
For peace of mind all health insurance members are advised to check the limits of cover BEFORE commencing treatment.

Western Provident Association (WPA)

As a UKRC registered occupational health counsellor (United Kingdom Register of Counsellors is maintained by the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy - BACP.) GP's & Consultants can refer WPA members directly to Dr. Andrew Bathie.
Referral is made by GP's / Consultants filling in the WPA form (although not necessary, some also like to send a referral letter) and asking you to contact me for an appointment on Tel. 01342 318043.

BUPA (Provider number 30010113)

BUPA do things differently. Andrew is registered by BUPA as a service provider (number 30010113). This means that Consultants can refer directly and retain overall responsibility, but GP's have to refer to a consultant first, who then refers on to Andrew. There are friendly Consultant Psychiatrists who know Andrew's work and are happy to refer in this way. However, some patients do not want a record of them seeing a psychiatrist on the medical file and, to avoid the hassle factor, prefer to pay privately.
If you wish to claim from BUPA see your GP first and mention you'd like a referral to
Dr. Andrew Bathie via a Consultant Psychiatrist..

PPP

PPP have changed thier mind regarding cover so frequently, that patients are advised to check the latest rulings.

Other Health Insurances

Most other health insurances will cover Stress Management Services (ie for anxiety, depression, severe phobias, pain management etc) when referred by a GP or Consultant.
Please check with the insurance company for approval before commencing treatment..

NHS (NHS Provider number 8EW59)

Previously, in the 'fundholding' days, GP's (General medical Practitioners) had thier own funds and could refer directly and quickly. Since this changed, with GP's no longer having their own funds, there have been fewer NHS referrals, with much longer decision times for successful applications. However, as things do change, patients are advised to ask their GP to seek the latest advice on NHS funding. Your GP may be able to get funding for your particular case.

Private Referrals

Due to NHS funding problems, many GP's prefer to make a private referral (ie where you pay yourself). This is made either by sending a referral letter or asking you to contact me for an appointment on tel. 01342 318043.

You do not need a referral to make an appointment.

For more information on :-
The Effects of stress, including symptoms click HERE
Dr. Andrew Bathie click HERE

To make a direct appointment

Simply Telephone 01342 318043