What to Expect from psychotherapy and counselling

Each client is engaged in a course of therapy tailored specifically to them. The way that your own course of therapy unfolds will depend on many things, including your goals for therapy, your personal strengths, your personal history, and your capacity for emotional and cognitive flexibility.

In the first few sessions, the focus will be on getting to know you as a whole person. This gives an understanding of the context in which your presenting problem arose and is maintained. In these initial sessions, you are encouraged to assess whether you feel you have chosen the right therapst. Because therapy requires a certain level of motivation and openness from the client, it is crucial to choose a therapist with whom you feel comfortable.

After the "intake" period, we will begin the work of therapy. This may include an exploration of your upbringing to understand why you think, feel, and behave as you do. Such thorough self-understanding fosters self-acceptance, which is the foundation for a happy, healthy person. Therapy may also include more solution-focused work that utilizes specific tasks and homework. This more structured approach is most effective when the goal is to change unwelcome behaviors and thoughts.

Because it has taken you a long time to become the way you are, it will take some time to create change. Significant change does not typically occur over a matter of weeks. Typically, it will take months to achieve a major change in the way you see things, react to things, or behave. Some people are in therapy for a year or more, either because they want to completely resolve a severe issue, or because they find it a useful way to develop a more in-depth understanding of themselves.

Typically sessions will take place weekly for two or three weeks then be more sporadic to enable you to make changes and think things through. It is impossible to predict how many sessions you may feel you need as this differs tremendously between individuals and their particular issue. At the first session I will talk through a treatment plan with you and be able to advise you more regarding amount of sessions.

Each session lasts for 50 minutes and is paid for at the end of the session either by cheque or cash. Paypal payments can be taken for email or telephone help. Some clients, particularly when attending with a partner choose to book for a session and a half which can often be useful. Please note that sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will incur the full charge.

Most importantly, therapy is a place to focus on yourself, which is a rare opportunity in our fast-paced society. It can help you solve a particular problem or gain more general self-acceptance, happiness and direction in your life. Each and every client is given the upmost importance and will benefit fully from the dedication of expert knowledge, training, experience and caring to meet their goals and live a happier life.