What to expect.
Initial assessment.
The first step is to have an initial assessment session in which you can tell me about your circumstances and the things that are troubling you. I can also answer any questions you may have about counselling and therapy, and together we will decide the next step. There is no obligation to proceed following the assessment, and I will be able to suggest other sources of support if appropriate. If you decide you wish to proceed, we will arrange a regular weekly appointment which will last 50 minutes.
The sessions.
My role in our sessions is not to give advice or tell you what to do. Instead, I will listen to your concerns with empathy and without judgement. I will help you to think about how you are feeling and we will explore the roots of your difficulties. This may involve looking at family relationships, significant life events, your patterns of behaviour and ways of thinking. Our sessions will help you to see your difficulties more clearly and often from a different perspective. Understanding yourself better can enable you to make positive changes in your life, and build your ability to cope.
Length of therapy.
Some people come to see a therapist with a very specific concern that can be explored in a brief few sessions, whereas others come with more long term, deeply-rooted issues. I work on an open-ended basis which means that together, we will regularly look at how you are progressing, and jointly agree when you feel ready to bring the sessions to an end.