What to expect
Counselling is about giving you the time and space to explore events, relationships, behaviours and emotions that you may be finding difficult. From our first meeting I'll be there to listen to you, and to understand how you're thinking and feeling – all in complete confidence. Here's a bit about what to expect from the counselling process, from making an initial enquiry through to having counselling appointments.
Making an appointment
I understand contacting a counsellor can feel like a big step, so when you get in touch to enquire about making an appointment I’ll take the time to answer any questions you may have.
I’ll also give you details about my availability, and about what to expect from your first session (also known as an initial consultation appointment). If my availability is limited, there may be the option to go on a waiting list for an appointment.
Once we agree a date and time for your initial consultation session, confirmation of your appointment will be emailed to you. This will contain:
details of your appointment booking
directions and details about the clinic / details about accessing your online or telephone session
a link to complete some personal information details and provide your consent to the counselling contract, privacy policy and digital policy
The personal information details and consent to the contract, privacy and digital policies will need to be completed before you have your first appointment.
You’ll also receive an appointment reminder by email. This will be sent between 8am-9am the day before your appointment.
The first appointment
When you come for therapy, it’s important you're comfortable working with me. So our first meeting together (also known as an initial consultation session) gives us both the chance to get to know each other. As with all our sessions, this appointment is 50 minutes long, and can be held in person, online or by phone.
As part of your initial consultation appointment we’ll talk through the counselling contract documents so we can agree the terms of therapy. We’ll also talk about your reasons for coming to counselling, and about what you want to achieve from the process. Your goals for therapy may be very specific, or you might just want some space to talk through your thoughts and feelings.
After your first session, if we both agree to continue working together, we'll usually meet weekly. But this is something we chat about to find the most suitable arrangement for you. It’s possible to have appointments less frequently, if that works better.
Your counselling sessions
Your counselling appointments are 50 minutes long and can be held in person, online or by phone. You can also have a combination of these types of sessions throughout your therapy, if you prefer.
There’s no set agenda for your counselling sessions – in each appointment we’ll discuss whatever you want to bring that day. This may be picking up from the previous session, or exploring something completely different.
As part of your sessions we may talk about things from your past, as well as issues and difficulties you’re experiencing in the present. We may also discuss tools and techniques that could be helpful in moving forward.
Payment for your counselling sessions is made on the day by cash or card for in person appointments, or by bank transfer 24 hours in advance for online and telephone sessions.
Reviewing therapy
As your therapy progresses, we’ll regularly review the progress you’re making and the goals you’ve set, giving you the opportunity to get the most out of our time together.
Reviewing therapy helps keep the counselling process on track, ensuring it remains relevant and helpful. It also gives us an opportunity to reflect on whether the style of the sessions is working for you, and identify any changes we can make so that counselling is personalised to your needs and preferences.
The decision about how long your counselling lasts will be discussed between us. Therapy can be short-term or long-term, lasting from a few weeks to many months, or longer. Ultimately, you make the choice about how long you continue with counselling and when you want to stop. In the counselling room, you’re the expert. This means I won’t tell you what to do but will work together with you, supporting you in exploring your difficulties and achieving your personal goals.