Coming For a First Session/ So Now What Happens?
Most people feel somewhat anxious meeting with a therapist for a first time. It's natural to wonder what the experience will be like, but it is you who will determine the amount of change you want to make. We will discuss the format and your hopes and expectations in our first session, and we will decide jointly what will work best for you. Then you can then choose if you want to continue. Following are some important principles:
Direction and length of therapy--It is you who determines what level of work you wish to do. We will discuss what you would like to accomplish in coming. If you feel you would like to refocus your attention, please let me know. Likewise, this needs to be a process you feel safe with, so if you are ever concerned, please speak with me so we can determine what risks are beneficial for you. The length of time in therapy varies with each individual. Most people will attend at least 6-8 weeks but some prefer more time. There are no minimum or maximum numbers of sessions.
Confidentiality--What you share with me stays with me unless I have specific permission to speak with others. There are a couple of exceptions. If I have reason to believe you could hurt yourself or others, I must take protective steps.
Supervision--I work with a professional supervisor to enhance my practice. Any supervisory work is done using only first names, and they are under the same requirements to protect your confidentiality as I am.
Ethical Guidelines--I operate strictly under ethical guidelines with the Care Council for Wales, which can be found here:
As well as the British Association of Social Workers:
Fees--I charge £40 for each clinical hour. That is 50 minutes for a session, and then I take 10 minutes to reflect and record my observations. If you need more or less time than this, that is fine. We can discuss this and sessions will be charged on a pro rata basis.
Outside Contact--It is possible that I could run into you outside of our sessions. If this happens, I will follow your lead. You do not need to speak to me or explain who I am, but you are welcome to approach me if you want to. Do whatever is comfortable for you, and I will follow.
Cancelled sessions--If I am unable to make a session through illness or any other unexpected reason I will let you know as soon as possible. Likewise, I will expect you to notify me if you are unable to attend a session. Please provide 24 hours notice wherever possible.
Most people feel somewhat anxious meeting with a therapist for a first time. It's natural to wonder what the experience will be like, but it is you who will determine the amount of change you want to make. We will discuss the format and your hopes and expectations in our first session, and we will decide jointly what will work best for you. Then you can then choose if you want to continue. Following are some important principles:
Direction and length of therapy--It is you who determines what level of work you wish to do. We will discuss what you would like to accomplish in coming. If you feel you would like to refocus your attention, please let me know. Likewise, this needs to be a process you feel safe with, so if you are ever concerned, please speak with me so we can determine what risks are beneficial for you. The length of time in therapy varies with each individual. Most people will attend at least 6-8 weeks but some prefer more time. There are no minimum or maximum numbers of sessions.
Confidentiality--What you share with me stays with me unless I have specific permission to speak with others. There are a couple of exceptions. If I have reason to believe you could hurt yourself or others, I must take protective steps.
Supervision--I work with a professional supervisor to enhance my practice. Any supervisory work is done using only first names, and they are under the same requirements to protect your confidentiality as I am.
Ethical Guidelines--I operate strictly under ethical guidelines with the Care Council for Wales, which can be found here:
As well as the British Association of Social Workers:
Fees--I charge £40 for each clinical hour. That is 50 minutes for a session, and then I take 10 minutes to reflect and record my observations. If you need more or less time than this, that is fine. We can discuss this and sessions will be charged on a pro rata basis.
Outside Contact--It is possible that I could run into you outside of our sessions. If this happens, I will follow your lead. You do not need to speak to me or explain who I am, but you are welcome to approach me if you want to. Do whatever is comfortable for you, and I will follow.
Cancelled sessions--If I am unable to make a session through illness or any other unexpected reason I will let you know as soon as possible. Likewise, I will expect you to notify me if you are unable to attend a session. Please provide 24 hours notice wherever possible.