To begin with we will meet for an initial consultation, which will give us both an opportunity to get a feel for the other person, to get a sense of how we might work together, and to find out whether or not we want to commit to continuing with sessions.  It will be a chance for you to ask any questions you might have, and to talk about why you have sought counselling at this point in your life and in what ways you hope that sessions with me would benefit you.  I will be able to give you an overview of the way I work, and both of us will be able to find out how it feels to be together in the space.  Once we have agreed to work together, we will sign a contract outlining our agreement, and begin weekly sessions which will take place at the same time and place each week.  The pace at which we work will be up to you; I offer both long and short term counselling, which is mutually agreed and reviewed as necessary.

The emotional labour of counselling can sometimes be challenging, therefore I will provide you with a well-boundaried, safe environment throughout your process.  This means that we will keep a close eye, together, on how you are feeling and what your individual needs are, and we can adjust the pace of the work to suit you.  Together, we will develop the most useful way of  working, and will remain mindful of experience in the here and now to guide us.  We could consider how your past experiences have shaped the way you relate to others today – the relationships you choose, the choices that you make, and the ways in which you respond to challenges. We could think together about the changes you want to make, and work on developing your direction towards a more satisfying way of life.