If you’re considering counselling, it can be really helpful to begin with a free, informal conversation – either by phone or video call. This gives us an opportunity to talk about what you are looking for, what’s brought you to counselling, and how I can support you. Everyone’s experience is different, so this initial chat gives you the chance to get a sense whether counselling with me feels right for you.
If you decide you’d like to continue, we’ll arrange your first session. Sessions last 50 minutes and can take place either face-to-face in my private, confidential counselling room, online via video call, or by telephone.
Your first session
During our first session, we’ll talk through the counselling agreement (contract). This explains how we will work together and covers important areas such as confidentiality, boundaries and practical arrangements. We’re make sure you are comfortable with everything before we both sign the agreement.
I may also ask you to complete a questionnaire about how you have been feeling. These are kept securely with your counselling notes and provide a baseline measure of your psychological wellbeing. You may be asked to compete the questionnaire again at the end of therapy so we can reflect on any changes over time.
At the end of your first session, we’ll discuss when you would like to meet again.
How we’ll work together
My role is to listen carefully and help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences in greater depth. Many people find that this process helps them develop a clearer understanding of themselves, their feelings and their choices. I won’t tell you what to do or give you advice. You are expert in your own life. Instead, we will work together to create a safe, supportive space where you can develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the people around you.
Starting counselling can feel daunting, and it’s completely normal to feel unsettled or emotionally tired after a session. Therapy can bring difficult feelings to the surface, but it also provides meaningful support as you work through painful experiences, navigate challenging circumstances, or develop a deeper understanding of yourself and those around you.
Ultimately, is about supporting your mental health and emotional well-being.
Professional supervision and development
To ensure I maintain a high standard of practice, I attend monthly professional supervision and I’m committed to my own ongoing learning and development. From time to time I may discuss aspects of my work in supervision to monitor and reflect on my practice. No identifiable information about you will be shared, and my supervisor is also bound by professional confidentiality.
Online (video call) counselling
Online counselling can offer many of the benefits of face-to-face therapy allowing you to attend sessions from the comfort of your own home. Video sessions also enable us to see some non verbal communications, such as facial expressions and gestures, which can be helpful when communicating.
I use secure software to support confidentiality and provide peace of mind. Before your first session, I will send you joining instructions, along with information about what to do if the video connection is interrupted.
Some things to consider:
- Are you comfortable using internet technology?
- Would you prefer to see me face-to-face?
- Do you think your circumstances would be better suited to face-to-face counselling?
- Do you have a computer, tablet or other device you can use privately and without interruption?
- Online counselling can involve fewer nonverbal cues and less body language, which can occasionally lead to misunderstandings.
Telephone counselling provides you with the flexibility of having counselling sessions from your own home or another suitable private location.
Before your first telephone session, I will provide information about how the sessions will work and what to do if the call is unexpectedly disconnected.
Some things to consider:
- Are you comfortable using your phone for counselling?
- Would you prefer to meet face-to-face or online?
- Do you think your circumstances would be better suited to face-to-face or online counselling?
- Can you find somewhere private where you won’t be interrupted or overheard?
- Telephone counselling means there are no facial expressions, gestures or other non-verbal cues to support communication, which can ocassionally lead to misunderstandings.
- Please make sure your phone is sufficiently charged and that you have a reliable signal before your session.
If you are unsure about anything on this page, or would like to talk through whether counselling is right for you, please contact me.
