How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
I aim to offer you an initial appointment within two weeks.
What can I expect during the first appointment or assessment?
The first session is a chance for you and me to see if we could work together. I know that meeting for the first time can be anxiety provoking and I am experienced with helping people manage these feelings. During this session I seek to gain a deeper understanding of your current difficulties and your hopes for therapy sessions. It is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for how I work and to see if you feel comfortable talking to me. At the end of our first session, I will make some recommendations and we will think about a way forward. Please note that attending an initial assessment does not commit you to ongoing therapy sessions.
What happens if we agree to work together?
We discuss your goals for therapy and how we will work together to help you achieve them. We will set a regular time and day each week for sessions. I strongly believe that coming less frequently (particularly during the first few weeks of therapy) can slow down progress, and may extend the time that you need to attend before you achieve your therapy goals. However, I am also happy to work in a flexible way to accommodate your requirements if appropriate.
Are sessions confidential?
Yes. I do not inform your doctor about our therapy sessions, but for ethical and professional reasons I ask for your doctor’s details as part of the practice registration process. The only instances where I would extend the limits of confidentiality are if I became seriously concerned about harm coming to you or others around you, if you were involved in serious crime, or if your records were requested by a court. In these cases I would endeavour to first discuss this with you.
What if there is a serious emergency between sessions?
We will make a plan together about what to do to keep yourself safe. I do not operate a crisis service, and therefore cannot guarantee my availability outside your session times. Thus, if you are in need of urgent support you can visit your doctor, local ER, or call 911.
What if something bothers me during therapy?
It is not uncommon for people to sometimes struggle with difficult thoughts and feelings in therapy. I encourage clients to give me regular feedback about anything that concerns them or that they are unsure about.