A lot of people have questions such as “what can I expect from a therapy session?” I have tried to answer some of the most common ones here:
**Please Note: I am currently working remotely via secure video conferencing and/or telephone only. I have had specialist training to provide this safely and therapeutically and am happy to talk through any concerns you may have**
What happens at the free initial consultation?
This is a chance for us to find out whether we think that we would work well together. Research suggests that a successful outcome in therapy is dependent on a good therapeutic relationship. To get more of a sense of you, I will ask you some questions, such as:
- What brings you to therapy?
- What would you like to get out of this process?
- How will you know when you’re making progress or you’ve reached your end point?
There is also space for you to ask me any further questions you may have.
Do I have to continue if I’ve had a consultation?
Not at all. There’s absolutely no obligation to continue with me if it doesn’t feel right; it’s really important that you find the therapist that works for you.
What can I expect from therapy sessions?
We start each session with a general check in. Next we will move on to exploring the issues you want to discuss. We will always go at your own pace with whatever you feel comfortable with. Sometimes we will work in a directive way (having a set agenda or topic) and other times it may seem more non-directive and spontaneous.
As the relationship develops between us, I may offer some challenges to your ways of thinking or repeated behaviours, but will always be respectful, non-judgemental and supportive.
Read more about the type of Counselling & Psychotherapy I offer
It is important for you to know that in the process of therapy, sometimes feelings may get worse before they get better. This is completely normal, and we can work through these feelings as part of the therapy.
You may choose to use the arts in a session and I will supply art materials if our sessions are face-to-face. If online or by telephone we can talk about what to include in a small art pack but essentially, we can start with paper and pens (although a pot of PlayDoh works wonders!)
Read more about how Art Psychotherapy works in a session
The end part of each session will always include me supporting you to prepare yourself to leave in a way where you feel emotionally able to get on with the rest of your day/evening. It is really important that you stay for the whole 50 mins to allow for this crucial ending.
How can I get the most out of my sessions?
- Try to keep an open mind, and trust in me and the process.
- Prepare yourself before the session starts, and try to have a clear space with no distractions.
- It is important to be honest; I can only help if you are honest with me (and yourself) and I will always be respectful, non-judgemental and supportive.
- Your own commitment is crucial to your success. Therapy isn’t “done to you”… it’s about us working together.
How long / how frequent are the sessions?
A session is 50 minutes long, and is usually held at the same time and place once a week. We can discuss this in your initial consultation to make sure the timing is right for you.
The number of sessions varies from person to person, and again this is something we can agree upon. Some people have a fixed idea in mind, and others like to leave it more open-ended.
I only work with clients on a weekly basis; If you would like a more ad-hoc arrangement (having sessions on an occasional or infrequent basis), I am probably not the right therapist for you. However, there may be another therapist who is able to work with you, so please don’t give up.
What is your cancellation policy?
My cancellation policy is 24 hours. This means that should you need to cancel within less than 24 hours of your session, for any reason, I will need to charge for the missed session.
What are your Fees?
30 minute Initial Consultation: Free of Charge
50 minute Therapy Session: £55 per session
All sessions are payable by cash on the day or bank transfer in advance.
Unless otherwise agreed in advance, all bookings are only confirmed on receipt of payment.
Are the sessions confidential?
We will talk about this in more depth in the consultation but broadly speaking I hold what you tell me in confidence. This includes both your identity and anything you tell me in session. There are some important exceptions to this which can be seen here in my confidentiality and privacy notice
What should I do next?
Please contact me for your free initial consultation, or to ask me any questions that I haven’t covered here.
