How To Begin
The thought of starting counselling may cause you to feel nervous, anxious or uncertain. You may not know what you want to discuss. On the other hand, you might be eager to talk to someone, and feel that you have a lot to get off your chest. My clients often report that they feel relieved to have begun.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP
Please feel free to contact me.
You can text me with your name and your interest in receiving counselling, and I will text back.
You can also email me, or use my email contact form to leave me a message.
Or, you can call me. If I do not answer the first time, please leave me a voicemail.
I will respond the same day, or within 24 hours.
FREE 10 MINUTE PHONE or VIDEO CONSULTATION
We can arrange for a free phone/video consultation, where we can discuss what brings you to counselling, and how I can support you. We can then arrange to have an initial session. Once we have arranged our initial session, I will email you an Information sheet with details on how to find the room, what to do when you arrive, how to pay for the session, and what you can expect.
Or, we can arrange an initial session without the phone consultation, if you prefer.
THE INITIAL SESSION
This is your opportunity to explore what has brought you to counselling, and for you to voice any hopes, concerns, or expectations you might have. It might be the first time you have had counselling, or perhaps you have been before. There is no right way or wrong way to approach counselling - I am interested to hear your unique experience, and to work with whatever you bring. Our first session is also the chance for both of us to see if we would like to work together, and to get to know each other. You can ask me any questions you might have and I am more than happy to let you know my way of working. I believe that counselling is most effective when we are able to build a trusting, respectful relationship and when my clients feel able to be themselves.
CONTINUING WITH THERAPY
As our first session is coming to a close, we can arrange a time for our second session if we decide to work together. If you are unsure, you can then let me know over the next few days if you would like to keep this appointment and continue with therapy.
Counselling works best when we have regular, weekly sessions, allowing us both time to reflect and consider what we have discussed. Please see sessions and fees for further information.
Throughout our sessions together, we can go at a pace and depth that you are comfortable with, and I will consistently check out with you how you are feeling each step of this process. As our work develops, your goals and needs may change, and I will encourage you to voice these changes. You might find that we discover something unexpected, or that you find yourself talking about something you thought you had already dealt with. Whatever direction our work takes, I will offer an accepting and supportive space.
