For what reasons do people attend therapy?

Individuals seek therapy for a wide range of reasons, extending beyond mental health diagnoses. While concerns like anxiety and depression are frequent, therapy can also address relationship challenges, low self-esteem, grief, adjustment to illness, work stress, performance anxiety, perfectionism, interpersonal conflicts, and the impact of trauma. Furthermore, therapy can be a valuable tool for personal growth and self-improvement in specific areas of life. I often see individuals continuing to engage with me post dealing with their presenting concerns as they have enjoyed focusing on their personal growth, overall fulfilment, and value the role of a unbiased mentor. I love working in the field of coaching and positive psychology, so I welcome you, no matter the reason you are engaging.

What will my first session involve?

The initial session is an opportunity for you and I to determine if we are a good fit for one another. In simple terms, do I feel I have the expertise to support you with the challenges you present and do you feel comfortable and confident in the work we could do together. During your first session, I will ask a variety of questions to gather a comprehensive understanding of your concerns. This includes exploring various aspects of your life, such as your relationships, work, social life, and family. Towards the end of our first session, we'll begin to discuss your desired outcomes for therapy. Together, we'll establish clear goals and identify how we'll measure progress. This collaborative approach ensures we're both actively involved in your treatment journey. Typically, active therapy interventions will commence in the second session, following the establishment of treatment goals and the selection of the most suitable therapeutic approach for your unique needs.

How many sessions will I need?

This will vary greatly depending on your individual needs and the specific challenges you're facing. Research suggests that a minimum of 10-15 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is recommended for issues like depression and anxiety. However, this is just a general guideline, and individual experiences can differ significantly. Personally, I believe in rapid recovery and have often seen significant progress within 6-10 sessions, this is especially the case when I have clients who actively engage in therapeutic exercises and homework outside of our sessions.

How often will I need to attend?

The frequency of therapy sessions can vary depending on several factors, including your specific concerns, the chosen treatment approach, and your personal circumstances, such as your budget and schedule. I generally recommend weekly or fortnightly sessions for the initial 6-8 sessions. After this period, the frequency can often be reduced to every three or four weeks. However, in some cases, more frequent sessions may be necessary for an extended period.

What if it isn't the right fit for me?

It's important to remember that finding the right therapist is a bit like finding the right fit in any relationship. I'm not the right fit for everyone, and that's perfectly okay!

The therapeutic relationship is key to successful therapy. It's about feeling comfortable and understood, and working together towards your goals. I strive to create a warm and supportive environment, but I understand that sometimes the fit just isn't right. If at any point you feel like we're not a good match, or if you feel like therapy isn't quite addressing your needs, please don't hesitate to let me know. We can discuss it openly, and I'm happy to offer suggestions for other therapists who might be a better fit for you.

Is my information confidential?

Your privacy is incredibly important to me. I understand the vulnerability involved in sharing personal experiences, and I deeply value the trust you place in me. As such, I'm committed to protecting your confidentiality at all times. While I will do everything possible to maintain confidentiality, there are some situations where I may be legally required to share information. This might occur if I believe you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm. Before we begin, I'll share my confidentiality agreement with you, which outlines these important considerations. To further protect your privacy, all records are stored securely in password-protected electronic files.