Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk to a trained professional about your feelings and concerns. You might talk about life events (past and present), relationships or negative thoughts and behaviours you want to change. Therapists will not give advice or solve your problems for you. They will listen to your story, help you understand yourself better and support you to make positive changes in your life.
What happens in Therapy?
You will normally have a number of planned, regular sessions lasting usually 50 minutes. How often you see a therapist and how many sessions you have will depend on individual circumstances.
First Session
A first appointment usually includes an assessment in which you can expect your therapist to ask about the history of the troubles you are experiencing.
There will also be some conversation around terms, or how the therapist will provide a service. This usually includes:
The number and frequency of sessions.
How fees will be paid.
What happens if you miss a session.
How your confidential information and privacy will be protected.
Any situation in which there may be a need to disclose information about you.
Use of notes or records.
You will also have the opportunity to ask anything about the therapist's qualifications and experience.