You should expect a series of confidential, and professional appointments of up to an hour in length, in a suitable private setting.

 The whole process:

-can you help identify the changes you wish to make in your life

-gives you the opportunity to make sense of your individual circumstances

-can support the individual during their process of change.

The end result will leave you better equipped to cope for the future.

There are many different, valid ways of undertaking therapy. In this case, NO, you would be offered a chair to sit on, and we will work face-to-face, employing a range of techniques to suit your circumstances.

Different therapies have different styles. For instance, in cognitive behavioural and sex therapy there will be 'homework' to do. In bereavement therapy, there would be a lot of emphasis on supporting you through some difficult emotions. A psychodynamic counsellor would look at your past while another type of therapist might focus solely on your life in the present-day. Some therapies concentrate on the future.

Many approaches focus more on your developing relationship with the therapist as a kind of model which may reveal the patterns of behaviour that cause you problems. Others look at your family relationships and who wielded the power in your house when you were growing up. Others focus on your thinking style and changes in behaviour. There are big distinctions between therapy where you do most the talking and those which involve much more of a dialogue. The first appointment, sometimes called an assessment session, is an opportunity to explore issues that could affect the relationship between you and the counsellor/psychotherapist, as well as your personal needs for counselling.

The goal of any talking treatment is your increased self-awareness, skill acquisition and independence. During therapy, you may develop some feeling of reliance upon the therapist. Although a normal reaction it can at times, feel worrying. But a professional therapist knows exactly how to handle these feelings and is genuinely interested in helping you make progress.

Therapists practise in all walks of life and all parts of society - from hospitals to companies and schools. We are trained in situations as diverse as: coping with anxiety and bereavement, relationship difficulties, educational dilemmas, sexual and racial issues, personal problem-solving as well as helping victims of child abuse and trauma. Many times clients feel that they are the only one going through a crisis like that; this is not the case. No matter what your concerns/worries/fears or any other issues you may have on your mind and facing, although it may feel you are alone in this, you don't have to be.

Ask about the time, place, cost and duration of meetings plus any charges for cancelled appointments and holidays. You may also wish to enquire about the counsellor or psychotherapist's professional membership, experience and training. During this time you will build up an idea of what is involved and you will be able to make up your mind if this is a person you can work with. It is important to be clear about what you want and what the practitioner is able to offer.

Everything you discuss is confidential between you and your therapist. There can be certain legal exceptions and the practitioner should clarify this with you prior to the establishment of any agreed contract for working (confidentiality policy).

During the Assessment or first session be prepared to trust your instinct because your relationship with the therapist is at the heart of the work. If you are unsure about the practitioner seek another one. Having confidence in your practitioner is very important and will enable you to get the best of the time you spend together. Always remember it is you who are the customer.