Counselling Session | Susan Smith

First Counselling Session

I understand going to your first counseling session can be daunting.

That's why I want to make you feel as comfortable as I can and alleviate any fears that you may have.

Therefore, please see my Counselling FAQ's Page and the information below.

First Steps...

If you are considering counselling, the first step is to call or email so we can arrange to have a chat and arrange to meet (online or in person).

This tends to take 15-20 minutes and is free of charge. This will give you the chance to briefly explain your needs and hear a little more about the way I work. If it seems suitable, and you feel you'd like to start the therapy, we would then arrange a first session.

Please note: :

The nature of my work means I often have my phone turned off during sessions so please leave a message or email and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

How and When?

Our first meeting, and each session thereafter, will last for 50 minutes. The first meeting will be an opportunity for us to discuss in depth what has brought you to counselling and what you would like to get out of the sessions. It will also provide you with an opportunity to ask me any questions.

I will give you some information about my practice and how I work so you can make an informed decision about what is best for you. Then you can contact me when you feel ready to take the next step. There is no pressure to continue after the first session.

How Long?

I have experience working in both long and short-term therapy settings, and there is no commitment to a specific number of sessions.

In shorter term work, we would tend to focus on quite specific goals that we would establish early on. This kind of counselling tends to take from 6-12 sessions, but can be even briefer. Really it is about understanding your needs, while being realistic about what is possible in a given time frame.

Longer term psychotherapy gives you the opportunity to work at your own pace, and can lead to profound, long-lasting personality and behaviour change