WHAT TO EXPECT

FEELING PREPARED

Starting anything, especially counselling can feel strange and maybe daunting. Some of us need to know more than others about the environment, who’ll be there and what will happen.

In my mind, there are no silly questions. It’s really important you get all the information you need to feel comfortable starting therapy with me. If this page doesn’t answer your questions, please email me and I’d be happy to send more information or explain things differently.

 

This short video is so you can hear what I sound like.

THE THERAPEUTIC PROCESS

This describes our work together, from the beginning to the end of your therapy. Below I’ve outlined a few things you can expect from the different stages of therapy.

Therapy isn't linear

THE BEGINNING

Making a start

Sometimes people come to counselling with a clear idea of how it should/ want it be and sometimes people come with no idea. There is no right way to arrive or start.

Our first session is a chance for us to get a sense of each other and to agree how we might like to work together, for you to share any previous experiences of counselling, what’s worked/ hasn’t and to tell me what you’d like to get out of therapy.

It is important you work with someone you feel suits your needs and way of being. I am completely fine if that person isn’t me. I’ll happily offer alternative counsellors details if you would like.

THE MIDDLE

Checking how it’s going

The middle could a few sessions or lots of sessions, it just depends on how long you can/ want to stay with the work.

Reviewing how we are working together can be a really useful way finding out where you are with the process, what’s working and what’s not.

You are welcome to feedback your experience of our sessions at anytime. I will also check in regularly to see how things are for you, if you have any queries or things you want me to know that might help support you making the changes you want in your life.

THE END

Bringing things to a close

Therapy ends when you feel ready.

Endings can be really important in ways we might not realise when they are happening. That’s why, if possible, I hope we make time to acknowledge where you stared and where you are now and the end of our work together.

I am open to working with people again in the future and we can talk about this together if this is the case.

OUR SESSIONS

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  • All sessions are 50mins long.

    We start and end on time.

    If you are late you can still join the session and we use the time that is left.

    In order to stay fully present with you I don’t take notes during our sessions.

  • Regular therapy is the most effective.

    However, I know that for lots of different reasons weekly meetings aren’t for everyone. I also offer fortnightly or once monthly.


  • Our sessions end when you are ready.

    I always prefer to have a last session if possible to end our work together. I also appreciate sometimes ending is also done on the phone or by email.

  • No.

    We can just make a start and work open ended.

    With this said I have found eight sessions is usually a really good amount.

  • Tell me what works or doesn’t for you or work with me to find out.

    Be comfortable: move, sit still, look where you like.

    Talk at your pace: fast, slow, a little or a lot about the things you want to share with me.

WORKING IN PERSON & ONLINE

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  • I don’t believe there is a better way to do therapy. There is just what works best for you.

  • I am open, with prior agreement and notice, to working online and in person.

    I realise that sometimes some up us just don’t want to be in physical company with others or can’t make it out the house.

  • I currently use Zoom.

    You will need to download it onto your device, it’s free, to access online sessions.

    You will be sent an invite link to our sessions. The same link will be used for all our sessions.

    I ask you to store the link so it is easy to locate in time for our session.

  • I am currently hoping to use a space in Fiveways and also in Hove on Church Road.

    Where we meet will depend on your availability and also on the availability of the spaces I hire.

    I can confirm our meeting once we have a day and time locked in.