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Our First Meeting 

Our First Meeting 

Booking, Fees & Availability

Questions 

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Next Steps

 

It’s often a big decision to get in touch with a therapist or counsellor, so our first meeting is designed to give you time to share your situation, and explore whether we can work together.

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To begin with, you are the expert on what challenges or issues you are dealing with. I am here to learn about what it is you want to  change, how you have been approaching this, your goals for the future and barriers you want to overcome through therapy to enable growth and learning.

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What you can expect:

  • Time and space for you to find your own way to put your thoughts and feelings into words

  • To be listened to with respect, care and attention

  • I will support you in reflecting on your situation through questions or comments

  • A discussion into any areas which might be helpful

  • A sensitive approach to how we relate to each other

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What I will not do is tell you what to do, give advice or prescribe medication.

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The initial consultation is to decide whether we will work together in counselling, psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. If we do decide to work together, we will make a plan for this. If we decide that a different approach, therapist of service would be a better fit for you, I’ll do my best to help you find appropriate sources of help.

 

If after reading this, you are still unsure, you are very welcome to call me on 07964783827 or email me and I will respond as soon as I can. You may prefer to schedule a short telephone consultation with me so that I will be available when you call.

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Booking, Fees and Availability

Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and take place at the same time each week. We can decide the number of sessions which make sense initially, which can be reviewed as our work progresses. 

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Sessions are priced according to your financial circumstance and range from £50-£90 each. I also try to make a number of low-cost times available. 

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Questions 

How long would I need to be in therapy?
It can vary by person to person.  People can benefit from a few sessions, especially when they have a particular goal in mind.  Other people find a more open ended exploration more appropriate for them.  We would decide an initial period  and review progress as we continue to work together.

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How often do I need to come?
Most people come for weekly or twice weekly sessions at the same time each week.  

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What if I need to miss a session?
When we have determined a regular time, this time is leased for you alone. I would require at least 48 hours notice for cancelled sessions not to be charged. Of course, there may be occasions when it is difficult to attend and if notice is given I will do my best to suggest alternative times. 

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Does it work, and will it work for me? 

There is a substantial and continually expanding body of evidence which demonstrates the benefit and impact from psychotherapy, and you may find the following articles and websites of interest. I would also add, the best way to know if therapy makes sense for you, is to try it and decide for yourself.

The Efficacy of Psycho-dynamic Psychotherapy

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy: what’s the evidence?

Is Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Effective? 

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Next Steps

  • Call me if you would like to discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and to schedule a face to face consultation. 

  • Alternatively you can email me to give a brief outline of why you are thinking of starting therapy, and your availability. 

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