Getting Started
The first step is to email or phone me to make an appointment. Should you get my voicemail, please leave a message. I will get back to you within 24 hours. Once you make your first appointment, that being either a session in person or via skype etc., counselling will take the following course, with slight variations depending on the problem, its severity and approach:
Phase 1 - Assessment
The first step is always an assessment of the problem. It is helpful if you can complete a questionnaire that I can email you and return it to me before the first session. It is not necessary but it will make the first session more fruitful for you if I already know a little bit about what is troubling you. In this session we will together, evaluate your problem, discuss your expectations and what we can do together to work on whatever it is that is troubling you. It is also an opportunity to get to know each other. It is important that we feel comfortable with each other.
Phase 2 - Intervention
In this phase we will be actively working together on your problem/issue. This can be as little as 6 sessions or many more, depending on your needs, the severity of the problem, your goals, time, finances etc. The intervention will be tailor made to your individual circumstances and goals. Together we will ensure that these are realistic and are met.
Phase 3 - Ending
It is important to end counselling in a proper way. We will decide together when it is time to finish. Sessions will be reduced gradually - the timing of this depends on your personal circumstances and the nature and severity of your problem. I always encourage ending with a relapse prevention plan so that you can be sure, should the problem ever reoccur, you will know how to deal with it. Even when we have concluded therapy together, rest assured that my door will always be open for you should you ever experience difficulties again in your life.
