What Should I Expect?

What to expect from Deborah

The first session is usually seen as an assessment session, where I will spend some time getting to know you, and the issues that brought you into therapy. I will ask questions about your current difficulties, as well as your history and background.

We will also consider your expectations of therapy, and think about what you would like to get out of it.

The first session is also an opportunity for you to get to know me, to ask any questions you may have about therapy or the process, and for both of us to decide if we can work together.

For therapy to be effective we need to build trust and a strong therapeutic relationship, so the first session is also about beginning to make a connection with your therapist.

What is psychotheraphy?

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Not all therapists are right for every person, and it is really important that you find someone you ‘click’ with, so the assessment session is also a time for you to decide whether my approach and personality is a good match for you.

It is normal to feel anxious about the first meeting, and it can feel quite daunting, but as it progresses you will hopefully feel safe, accepted, respected, and relatively comfortable.

If after the initial session you decide that you would like to continue with therapy, we will agree on a session time, and you will attend your session at the same time, on the same day every week, with every session lasting for 50 minutes.

Therapy is collaborative, with both of us working together to bring about the changes you identify. It is also entirely individual, so the length of therapy will depend on your presenting concerns, specific needs, and circumstances.

Depending on the issue and need, the length of therapy can vary from weeks to several months or even years.

One point to remember, however, is that one of the greatest predictors of successful therapeutic outcomes is a strong therapeutic relationship with the therapist, and this can take time to build.