How sessions work and what to expect
In the first session we will discuss what you want to work on, and whether you will feel comfortable working with me, and I with you. I often ask for a brief family history so that I have an idea of the people in your life. Sometimes I may take notes, but only very brief ones to help me remember the important facts. Usually we will agree how long we are going to work together, it can be useful to set a timeframe so that we stay focused, but of course this always open to change as the work develops and progresses. I often work in blocks of six sessions, setting a focus for each block, this can be especially useful when looking for a solution to troubling issue.
At the end of the session we will set the time for our next meeting. As with many therapists, I find it most beneficial for you, and for me, to have a regular time each week so that the work fits into your routine and settles into a rhythm. All sessions are one hour long and preferably weekly.
Counselling is a rewarding experience but it can be very hard work and unexpectedly tiring. People are often very surprised by how tired they feel at the end of an hour of ‘just talking’, especially at the start of the process. The advice of the great Chinese text ‘I Ching’ states that “perseverance furthers” which is so very true of the counselling process.
As I do not have waiting room facilities, I ask that you do not arrive more than 5 minutes before the start of your session.