Taking that initial step towards therapy can feel daunting, and finding the right therapist is a big part of that journey. You know yourself best, and it's crucial to choose someone who you’d like to work with, who fosters a sense of comfort and trust.

That's why I offer an introductory session – a chance for you to ask questions, get a feel for my approach, and see if we click. There's absolutely no pressure to book another session after this chat. It's simply an opportunity to explore if I'm the right person for you.

A 50 minute session is also referred to as a ‘therapeutic hour’. This timeframe allows for focused exploration of your concerns while acknowledging attention spans. It also creates a predictable structure for our sessions and ensures efficient time management.

However, the therapeutic hour is more than just the time. It's a dedicated 50 minutes where we focus entirely on you and your well-being.

If we find we need more time, we can tailor the sessions to suit your needs.

Scheduling your therapy sessions for the same time each week offers several benefits:

Routine and Consistency: A regular time slot creates a stable foundation for your therapy journey. This can be especially helpful when dealing with challenges.

Building Momentum: Consistent sessions let us build on progress from previous weeks, keeping the momentum going and avoiding rehashing old ground.

Deeper Connection: Regular sessions allow our therapeutic relationship to deepen. Familiarity and consistency create a safe space for you to open up more freely.

Prioritising Well-Being: Dedicating a specific time slot reinforces the importance of therapy in your overall well-being. It becomes an integrated part of your self-care routine.

While consistency is ideal, life happens! We can discuss adjustments if unforeseen circumstances arise and explore alternative options to minimize disruption to your progress.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach here. Therapy is a unique experience for each person, and the number of sessions depends on several factors:

Your Goals: Are you seeking support for a specific issue or aiming for broader personal growth? Focused goals may require fewer sessions compared to more extensive exploration.

Complexity of Concerns: The nature of your challenges plays a role. Addressing simpler issues might be achieved in fewer sessions, while navigating complex situations may require a longer timeframe.

Your Preferences: Some individuals prefer shorter, focused therapy, while others benefit from ongoing support. Ultimately, the pace and duration are up to you.

Progress and Frequency: The frequency of sessions can also impact the overall number. Weekly sessions can lead to quicker progress compared to bi-weekly or monthly appointments.

Here's what I can offer to help you estimate the duration:

We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust the duration as needed. The goal is to equip you with the tools and strategies to manage your well-being independently.

Absolutely. Confidentiality is essential for building trust and creating a safe space for you to express yourself freely and openly. You can be confident that what you discuss in our sessions will be kept confidential, and I will not disclose any information without your explicit consent.

There are a few rare situations where confidentiality may be limited:

Serious Threat of Harm: If I believe you or someone else is at risk of serious harm, I may need to take steps to protect you or others. This could involve contacting emergency services or appropriate authorities.

Legal Obligations: In some cases, the law may require me to disclose certain information. For example, if there is a court order or legal requirement to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

Supervision: As a professional counsellor, I am ethically obligated to discuss my work with a qualified supervisor. These discussions are confidential and focus on professional development, not on your specific identity or details.

I am committed to protecting your confidentiality and creating a safe space for you to explore your concerns. If you have any questions or concerns about confidentiality at any time, please do not hesitate to ask.