What to expect from the first session?

 

My experience has shown that many clients come to therapy feeling apprehensive about starting, and not knowing what to expect from the first session often seems to be a particular source of anxiety. For this reason, therapy with me starts with an initial consultation, where I will usually ask some questions about what brings you to therapy, what you would like to get from it, and the nature of your difficulties. I will also try to learn more about your history and background, being curious about areas like family, friends, relationships, interests, significant events in your life, or anything else that might feel important. Finally, I will explain some practical details about how it works in therapy with me (fees, holidays, cancellations, confidentiality, etc.), and we will also have some time for you to ask any questions you might have.

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The aim of the initial consultation is for both of us to find out more about each other: for you to get a sense of how I work and how it is to talk to me, and for me to get a better picture of your background and current situation. Usually this might take more than one session, and hopefully, by the end of the initial period, you will have a clearer of what it might be like to work together. At the end of this initial consultation, we will discuss whether we feel like we might be a good fit and whether working together might be the best way forward for you. If you feel that it might be, we can agree on an initial period of work together – I normally suggest a period of at least 12 sessions to give us enough time to settle in the work, so you can really get a sense of what it feels like to be in therapy.

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After these initial sessions, your task is simply to talk about whatever is on your mind, and my task is to convey what I am hearing and share any patterns or links I am noticing. We'll also be attentive to what is unfolding between us within the therapy room. In terms of length and frequency, sessions last 50 minutes and they are usually once or twice a week, depending on what we agree at the at the end of the initial sessions. If coming in person might not always be feasible for you (for instance, you travel often, live in multiple countries, or do not have a fixed residence), I am able to offer a mix of in-person and online sessions.

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You are welcome to contact me via email to book an initial consultation. I also offer a brief phone conversation, up to 15 minutes, if you would like to talk about beginning therapy.