The initial appointment, which is known as an assessment session, is an opportunity for us to:

This first session is likely to be different from subsequent sessions as I will be asking you various questions so that I can find out a bit more about what has brought you to therapy and what you may be hoping to get from your sessions. I will also ask you about your personal history including your childhood and early life so that I can gain a fuller understanding of where you are now.

My aim is to help you feel comfortable and give you time to talk and, most importantly, to get a sense from you about your current concerns. 

At the end of this first session, we will hopefully have an idea of whether we are able to work together and can begin to discuss the next steps and arrange further sessions. Or if you would like time to think about what you would like to do that is fine too.

My role in our work together is to build and maintain a therapeutic relationship with you and to create a safe space for you to be able to explore your concerns and to share your feelings. I hope to enable you to work at a pace that feels right for you so that you can get to know yourself better and get to where you want to be in life. I will provide a place where you feel heard, understood and supported.

I will not judge your experiences, life-style or your opinions and will instead try to gain an understanding of where you are now in life.

In subsequent sessions, the time and space is yours.  I will ask fewer questions so that I can listen and understand what it is you are hoping to change.

Ideally counselling sessions are arranged weekly, at the same time in order for you to get the most out of the sessions and to maintain continuity in the work. However, if that is not manageable for you we can discuss what alternatives, such as possibly fortnightly sessions, will work for you.  All sessions last for 50 minutes.