What should I expect from my first session (initial meeting)?
During your first session which will last for 50 minutes we will explore together what your particular needs are and will discuss together how counselling or psychotherapy may be able to help you.
I will ask some questions designed to gain a fuller picture of your particular situation and experience and to ascertain what therapeutic approach would best meet your individual needs and requirements.
There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to explore any concerns or worries.
You will not be under any obligation to continue with further sessions, this is an opportunity for you to consider whether you feel comfortable and able to work with me and whether my particular approach to counselling and psychotherapy will suit you and your specific requirements. You may wish to take some time to think about this before committing to any further sessions.
A mutually beneficial day and time for counselling sessions to take place will be agreed upon should you wish to proceed with further sessions after our initial meeting.
I will also discuss with you a working agreement which will cover such issues as confidentiality and fees.
Do I have to use the arts in sessions?
You do not have to use the arts in sessions and you certainly do not have to have had any previous experience or particular aptitude for the arts.
Working with the imagination, images and the arts can add a different dimension to the therapeutic process providing new insights and discoveries.
I may suggest an arts intervention if I feel it may be helpful but the choice is always yours.
You may discover a creative side to you that you were unaware of!
How many sessions will I need?
This very much depends on the particular issues you are wishing to address. I am able to work time-limited or open-ended and longer term. I generally suggest that we work together for six sessions and then have a review to consider what might be needed.
How often should I attend?
Sessions are generally offered on a weekly basis and a suitable day and time are agreed upon.
How long do sessions last for?
The duration of each session is 50 minutes.
How do I proceed from here?
Please call or email me giving your name and contact number and possible times when it is convenient for me to call you, a date and time for an initial meeting will then be arranged.
What is your privacy policy?
If you contact me I will only keep your contact details whilst we are discussing the potential of working together. I will only pass you details to a third party if we agree they will be more suitable for your needs. If we decide not to work together your details will be deleted and I will not contact you.
Should we agree to work together I will explain how I manage your records, how long I keep them and your rights to view them at out initial session.