People often feel anxious and unsure of what to expect when they go to a first therapy or assessment appointment. It can be difficult to discuss personal issues or difficulties, therefore it is important to us that we do our best to create a safe, confidential and supportive space for you to come to meet with us.
For your first appointment with us, we would take time to discuss and explain how therapy works, along with issues of confidentiality and record keeping. We are registered with the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) and we have a Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions that form part of a Therapy Contract, which will be discussed and agreed with you at your first appointment. We will also ask you to complete some basic administration forms, and we will ask you to complete some questionnaires about emotional symptoms. We then discuss with you the reasons you have come to meet with us, what it is you would like help with, and how you might like us to help you.
Following this, we discuss with you how we think we can best help you, and if you think that this is something you would like to do. You do not need to know, or have chosen any particular type of therapy or intervention before you make contact with us. If you are unsure, or do not know, then we will be able to advise you and make recommendations based on your situation and your needs.
If you decide that you would like to receive help from us, we then arrange a series of appointments, usually weekly, and usually lasting between 50 minutes and an hour. We endeavor to start the intervention with you as soon as possible.
The nature of these sessions will then vary depending on the type of intervention that we have agreed is best suited to your needs. These will be agreed with you in writing.
