Therapy is a collaborative process – a mutual exploration of your self. (Dr Bessel van der Kolk, The body keeps the score)
How long is a therapy session?
A standard therapy session lasts for 50 minutes and takes place weekly, on the same day of the week and at the same time. This allows us to create a consistent, stable therapeutic relationship. (In some circumstances, and by negotiation, key workers who work shifts can arrange sessions around this.)
How many therapy sessions will I need?
This differs from person to person and depends on what you are bringing to therapy. I offer short-term and longer-term counselling, depending on your individual needs and set of circumstances. Often, the longer the issue has been ongoing, the longer the time needed to work through it.
Initially, I would recommend that we agree to work together for 8 or 10 sessions, after which we can review how you feel. I believe it is important to regularly review our work together so we both get an insight of how your needs are evolving through our work together and, if you are happy to continue on a longer-term basis, we will regularly review our work together.
When working on an ‘open-ended basis’, I ask for a minimum of two weeks’ notice to finish therapy so that we can work towards a healthy, managed ending.
What will happen in the first session?
The first session is the beginning of our working relationship. During this session, we will talk about your situation, what you are seeking from therapy and your background, as well as how we could work together towards your personal goals. Your goals could be about developing coping strategies or having support for a specific difficulty in your life, or goals that require longer-term work and open-ended therapy, such as on-going life situation, childhood trauma or multiple stressors in your life. Starting therapy can feel a bit daunting and I’d like to reassure you that you will not be pressured into sharing anything that you do not want to. This first session is an opportunity for you to get a sense of me as your therapist and to ask any questions you might have.
Are our sessions confidential?
Let me reassure you that our sessions are confidential, taking place in a safe, respectful and non-judgemental space to explore the problems you are currently experiencing. There are a few exceptions where I am legally bound to share information. These relate to risk of serious harm to yourself or another person, or where drug trafficking, money laundering or acts of terrorism are disclosed; further details of these exceptions are explained in more detail in my agreement with you and my privacy policy.
Do I need specialist equipment for online therapy?
No, not at all. In terms of technology, I use a platform called Zoom (free for you to use), which offers excellent levels of security and efficiency. To use this, you will need a stable broadband connection and a device suitable for Zoom like a laptop, tablet or smart phone. I will provide guidance and instructions on how to use Zoom prior to us working together, to help you become familiar with it and this will all be provided within my ‘Welcome Pack’ before our initial session.
What is ‘person centred’?
Client, or person-centred counselling is commonly used for a number of life issues which include relationship problems, depression, anxiety, bereavement, addictions, sexuality, anger and transitions in life. What it means to me is that I will listen carefully to what you have to say and learn to understand where you are coming from (what it’s like to be you). I will help you see things from different perspectives and to understand how you came to be you.
Quote: “I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975 …. That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past …. Looking back now, I realize I have been peeking into that deserted alley for the last twenty-six years. Khalid Hosseini, The Kite Runner
Website addresses that may be of help to you:
www.themix.org.uk (under 25s)
MT Counselling 