The 'where and when' of talking therapy...

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When you contact me, please give me a sense of your availability and whether you prefer to work online or in-person. I'll then let you know scheduling possibilities and answer any questions you may have. If we are able to book an appointment, you will then receive an intake form which asks questions relating to the issue you are bringing and your history etc. This gives me some useful background information ahead of our first appointment and can be returned securely via the practice management system I use. It is important to know I am the only one that reads your responses.

 The initial session involves us exploring the issues that you sought therapy for, typically known as an assessment. Although an in-depth assessment develops over several sessions, by the end of the first session I aim to have a good enough understanding of your difficulties to make a suggestion of what therapy may look like for you. The initial session is also an opportunity to consider if you feel comfortable working with me. . 

I do both short term/time limited and open ended work. The number of sessions required may depend on the complexity of the issue and the time you want to commit to therapy. Some clients may prefer to do brief highly focussed therapy attending to one specific issue, whilst others prefer a more exploratory approach that attends to issues as they unfold. 

I typically see clients once a week at the same time each week.  It is common practice that psychological therapy occurs in this way to keep pace and focus. However, I believe in a flexible approach to accommodate different needs. Ad hoc sessions are recommended only after an initial course of therapy.