Your first contact with me can be made by telephone, email or via the Confidential Enquiry Form. If you haven't already completed this, I will ask you to complete it prior to your session, and at your first session, I'll ask you to sign the Terms and Conditions which clearly set out what you can expect of me and what I ask of you when we work together. Then, you can book an appointment online, if you wish.
Once your booking has been made, I'll send you directions, and during the 24 hours prior to your appointment, you'll receive a text reminder. On the day of your appointment, when you arrive, I will invite you into my consulting room. Depending on which clinic this is in, it could be furnished with a desk and a couple of chairs, or perhaps a chair, a small table and a sofa. All of my consulting rooms are comfortable and private. If we are meeting online, whether that is by Zoom, Skype or telephone, just make yourself nice and comfortable.
This is the part that some clients can find a little daunting, but I can reassure you that this will pass very quickly. Once we are sitting comfortably, I will explain what you can expect from me and how we'll work together. Then, you'll have the opportunity to tell me how I can help you, and this will be the start of our conversation, and the start of your therapeutic journey. You will have plenty of opportunity to ask me any questions you have, about therapy or your treatment, and we will discuss your structured treatment plan.
Counselling and Psychotherapy is very often just like a chat. A chat about what's been happening and how you've been feeling. A chat with someone that wants to understand how you are feeling and is completely neutral. You can speak freely, confidentially, and there will be no judgement.
With Hypnotherapy, you will be able to recline the chair, close your eyes and relax. I might ask you to imagine a couple of things, or I might ask you some questions around what you came to see me about.
Once you are nice and relaxed, the deeper part of your mind becomes more open and receptive, so I might make some suggestions that will be for the purpose of your wellbeing. I might tell you a story, as the deeper part of your mind loves to follow, and the imagination is very good at solving problems and finding its own solutions in this way.
It might be that some of the things we talk about during therapy are upsetting for you. This is absolutely fine, and there is always a box of tissues to hand, and these things are honestly better out than in. Tears are just your body releasing some emotion. You would never consider stifling a laugh, and it's equally as important not to stifle any emotion that arises, including tears.
Towards the end of the session, I will let you know that we are coming to the end, and we will wrap up with what you can expect during the days following the session, and I might give you some homework - depending on the situation. We will book your next appointment, if appropriate, and I will show you out.