What to Expect
If you are interested in pursuing psychological therapy or counselling with me, I will first of all arrange to meet you for an Initial Assessment Session. This lasts for 50 minutes and provides an opportunity for me to find out more about your current difficulties, establish what you would like to get out of the therapy sessions and plan further sessions together. This first session also gives you a chance to find out more about the psychological therapy and counselling I offer and ask any questions you might have about the process. After assessment, all other counselling sessions will also last for 50 minutes and will usually be booked weekly. Psychological therapy can continue for any number of sessions depending on the nature of the problem and your own wishes. After assessment, counselling sessions are usually agreed in advance blocks of 5, with regular progress reviews. You are free to stop sessions at any point, regardless of the agreed time-frame. Alternatively, if after assessment you feel that psychological therapy or counselling is not for you, I am happy to provide you with information regarding alternative sources of counselling or psychological support. Prior to arranging an Initial Assessment Session, I am happy to arrange a brief telephone call to answer any specific questions that you migth have.
In CBT, what happens in-between counselling sessions can be just as important as what goes on during it. This means that sometimes we will agree tasks, goals or exercises together for you to work on during the following week. Where appropriate I may provide written material to support what we have covered in the session.
