WHAT CAN I EXPECT BEFORE THE FIRST SESSION?
I offer a free fifteen minute consultation call (sometimes called a discovery call) to all new referrals.
The purpose of this call is to help us both establish if I am best suited for your current needs, based on my training, experience and specialisms. If so, we will book in an initial ‘assessment’ appointment.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ASSESSMENT SESSION(S)?
The aim of the assessment period is for us to get to know each other and for me to learn, in depth, about what problem/s bring you to therapy, and what you hope to gain from therapy.
The session commences by verbally going through the confidentiality information and the exclusions to confidentiality.
I’ll then ask questions which enable me to get a good understanding of your current problem/s, to learn about your current life circumstances and personal history, and to ascertain what you hope to gain from coming to therapy.
You will be asked questions related to risk issues; for example, if you’ve ever had any suicidal or violent thoughts, plans or intentions. I will also enquire if you feel you are at risk of harm from anyone or anything. I ask every client I meet these questions. This is to ensure I can do my job, supporting you, to the best of my ability, and to keep you and others safe.
One of the final questions I’ll typically ask is, “If you attended a course of therapy with me and you left the final session feeling as if it had significantly helped & changed things for the better; what would be different?”. This might include differences in how you feel, think or behave. Perhaps have a think in advance about how you might answer this question and what it is you want to achieve from therapy.
WHAT IF I DON’T WANT TO TALK ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS?
What you choose to talk about, or not, is completely up to you. You are in control. Over several sessions of therapy, I hope we would establish a trusting and safe therapeutic relationship, in which you feel more able to share.
Everything is done at your own pace.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ASSESSMENT?
We will agree on your therapy goals and an initial treatment plan. Typically we will meet on a regular weekly basis, at the same time each week, but this is dependent on individual circumstances.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM REGULAR THERAPY SESSIONS?
The content of every therapy session varies, but there are some similarities in terms of the structure.
If you’re comfortable, we can work with free association, letting thoughts and feelings surface naturally. In a slightly more structured session, we typically begin with a brief check-in on how you’ve been since the last meeting. The focus of the session is on exploring your current concerns, understanding specific issues, and examining underlying patterns that may be affecting your well-being.
But hey, sometimes we throw this rhythm out the window! Your needs might burst through the door shouting "Surprise!" and we'll happily go wherever the conversation takes us. Whether we're untangling thought knots, exploring your story's hidden chapters, or practicing new ways to navigate your world, you'll find a judgment-free zone to be just you.
FEES
£85 per session.
