Often one’s first counselling experience can be rather daunting, and it can be difficult to know quite what to expect from that first session. Below are some questions i'm often asked by clients. Hopefully this will help to answer some of the questions you've been having...
Q: What can I expect in the first session?
A:
Usually, the first session is a chance for us to meet each other and get a sense of whether we are able to work together. I will ask you some background questions to help me to understand the nature of your concerns. You will have the opportunity to talk about the issues that are bothering you and discuss what you would like to get out of therapy, as well as ask any questions that you
need to know about the therapy process. At the end of the first session, you are likely to know whether counselling is right for you and indeed, whether I am the the right person to help you.
Q: How long do sessions last?
A: All sessions last for exactly 50 minutes.
Q: Payment and Fees?
A: My fees will be confirmed on enquiry, depending on the type of therapy you require.
Payments are received by cash, or direct transfer prior to or on the day of the session.
Q: How long does therapy take?
A: We will agree a day and time to meet each week. Therapy is most effective when undertaken on a regular basis for an agreed period of time. Usually we would agree to work together for an initial 6 weeks, with a review after the 4th week. Thereafter, therapy can be open-ended. We will agree together what you want and need from the process. If you decide you’ve got what you came for, we’ll agree a date to bring the therapy to a close.
Q: What if I am not able to attend a session?
A: 48 hours notice is required for any cancelled sessions. If you provide less than 48 hours notice, the full fee is payable. This enables us to establish secure boundaries for safe and effective working.
Q: What sort of things can I talk about in therapy?
A: Anything at all. This is time you are investing in yourself. It is important that you know you have a space where you can come along and ‘off-load’ the
stuff that’s troubling you.
Everything you say will be kept confidential (unless there is a serious risk of harm).
Q: What is a therapy contract?
A:
It is good practice for therapists to provide a contract or working agreement prior to beginning therapy. This should outline all the important questions here that you will be able to consider and agree to, if it’s right for you. It should include a privacy policy and details about confidentiality, fees, cancellations and therapist’s approach.
"Why am I so awkward in social situations?"
"Other people don't do this, why do I ?
"Am I just weird?"
"Why can't I stop worrying about everything?"
"Why am I thinking these dark thoughts?"
"What is wrong with me?"
"Why do I always choose the wrong people?"
If you still have questions/concerns that haven’t been addressed in these pages, please feel free to contact me for an initial confidential discussion on 07958 967 233.
