Frequently Asked Questions

What happens in the first appointment?

A first session will last approximately an hour and a half. For the first hour you will be able to 'have your say' and say more about your situation, you will listened to and may be offered some early explanations and reflections. At the end of the hour you can decide whether therapy is for you. If you decide to proceed then you will be asked questions about name, address, GP, medical history etc.

What if I do not know where to start?

In reality, if you are reading this page, then you have already started. Many clients say that they did not know what to say and are very surprised when they talk to the therapist for the first time. On some occasions, clients report feeling better about themselves or their circumstances in the first session too.

How long will the full course of treatment last?

This will depend on the nature and severity of your symptoms. All work is done contractually so we both know what we are aiming for. There will be regular reviews of progress and guidance as to the length of treatment required. In the end, you are in control of your own therapy and you decide how long you wish to come for. Some clients have a very specific target and will complete their work within 6 - 10 weeks, for others the situation may be far more complex and they will wish to be in therapy for anything up to 3 years. At the end of each session you will be given the option to rebook and to specify whether you want to book for an hour or an hour and a half.

If I finish my contract for therapy can I come back?

Yes you can, we have many clients who book further 'top up' sessions as and when they need them. Some clients prefer to reach one target, then take a break from therapy and then return to do more work at a time to suite themselves.

What happens if I can't make my appointment?

We always ask for 48 hours notice for all cancellations, this provides an opportunity to offer the appointment to another client who may be waiting for an appointment.

What happens if I am late for a session?

We understand that traffic can be bad and sometimes life can get in the way! However, if you arrive late for your appointment, you can only have whatever time is remaining. This prevents disruption to other clients.

Can I trust the therapist?

Trust is never expected or demanded from our clients, we hope that trust will develop over time. In saying this, all our therapists are trustworthy and follow a strict code of ethics.

What is expected of me?

Our expectations are based on your willingness to make agreement and commitment. As a client we hope that you will be able to agree and commit to the following:

• Invest in and commit to your own personal development and change
• Take responsibility for your own wellbeing and get additional medical support if required
• Keep yourself, the therapist, others and environment safe. This means that no matter how you feel, you will control your behaviour in order to protect the therapy space and anyone or anything in it
• Arrive and leave at the agreed appointment time
• Provide 48 hours notice for cancellations
• Pay the agreed fee at the beginning of each session.
• Attend each session free from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs
• Provide 1 full sessions notice of your intention to end therapy; this allows full closure of the therapeutic relationship

What can I expected of the therapist?

You can expect the therapist to:

• Provide professional psychotherapeutic skills to facilitate your personal growth and change
• Provide a safe, confidential environment for you to work within
• Offer consistency & continuity of contact, allowing for holidays and other negotiated breaks
• Arrive and leave at the agreed appointment time
• Maintain ethical boundaries to the therapeutic relationship

Click here to see our 3 step guide to start counselling and psychotherapy.