FAQs
What happens in the first session?
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Our first session would be an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I usually ask a few questions about why you would like to start therapy and use a verbal assessment form to gather some background information. It is important that you feel as safe and comfortable as possible. You can also ask any questions that you might have without feeling obligated to commit to further sessions. Typically, our initial session would last 50 minutes to an hour.
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What’s it like being in therapy?
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I provide a safe space for you to let your feelings out and share what’s on your mind. It can be hugely powerful and a relief to be listened to without judgement. Therapy can feel intense and unsettling at times, but I will provide regular support to help you navigate life’s challenges.
I feel passionately that therapy is ok for anyone to try, whether in crisis or not, and whatever your experience or background.
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What if I don’t know what to talk about?
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It’s very normal to feel nervous and not know what to talk about in therapy. I try to make the process as comfortable as possible. I do not set an agenda for what to talk about but find that the sessions unfold naturally over time and at a pace that suits your needs.
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How will therapy help me?
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When life feels overwhelming it can be helpful to gain some self-awareness and understanding of your present difficulties in collaboration with a therapist. I aim to work with you to gain a deeper awareness of your experience, for example by helping attend to any symptoms in your body, provide a reality check to your thinking and help you to regulate difficult emotions.
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How long does therapy take?
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It is difficult to put an exact time frame on how long therapy will take and varies according to your needs. I would regularly review our work together (e.g. after an initial 4-6 sessions) and ensure that the number of sessions is appropriate and meets your agreed goals. Short term counselling is usually from 6 to 20 sessions and longer term therapy can last from months to years.
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What’s the point of talking about the past if it can’t be changed?
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It’s true that the past cannot be changed, however by engaging in a therapeutic process we can start to change our relationship with the past and reduce our reactivity in the present. I aim to support you to gain a deeper understanding of your past experiences, release long-held feelings, become more aware of the effect of the past on your body, and maybe even allow some self-compassion.
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How is therapy different from talking to my friends and family about my problems?
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Therapy provides a non-judgmental, unbiased and confidential space outside of your everyday life. Every part of you is free to be expressed without judgement or concern of burdening others. I will not give you advice or recommend a course of action but work together with you to help you achieve your goals. I provide a safe space to express yourself and explore your feelings, at a regular time each week.
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If you have any further questions about how therapy works or would like to book an initial session then I would love to hear from you.
