I understand that a lot of questions can arise in relation to having therapy, both prior to starting and what to expect from subsequent sessions. I hope this blog will help to answer some of those, make you feel more comfortable, and allow you to seek support.

Starting therapy:

1. How do I know if I need therapy? My motto is “nothing to lose but so much to gain”. It can sometimes feel that our concerns or struggles may not warrant seeking professional help. If your day-to-day is being negatively impacted or you’re feeling higher levels of discomfort, this can be a good indication to seek support. You can always get in touch and during the free 30-minute initial consultation explore whether therapy is the best option for you.
2. How do I find the right therapist for me? This is personal preference, start out with some research (maybe starting with a therapeutic approach) and try to get a feel for the therapist when visiting their site / social media pages. One of the best ways to know if the therapist is right for you is to get in touch via email / phone / consultation and see if a natural rapport builds.
3. Is it normal to feel nervous / anxious before starting therapy? These feelings are very normal and a lot of people, including myself, have experienced this. With a lot of things, the ‘waiting around’ is often the hardest part. The free 30-minute initial consultation allows you to get to know your therapist and begin to feel more comfortable.  
4. What should I bring to the first therapy session? You may have more direction after your initial consultation, but the main thing is to bring yourself and whatever it is that you’re feeling that day. Where possible, try to be on time for the appointment. Quite often the first session will entail a further conversation around goals and what you’re currently experiencing.

What to expect during therapy:

5. How long does a therapy session typically last? As a rule, I would say the range is between 50-60 minutes. My sessions last 60 minutes.
6. How often should I attend therapy sessions? This is entirely up to you and your financial situation. I think every week or fortnight in the beginning can be helpful to build momentum. If at a later stage you feel you would like some ‘maintenance’ sessions, then even monthly is a viable option.
7. What will we talk about in therapy? This is down to you and your goals within therapy. In the work I do, the pace will be set by you and your comfort levels. Quite often things are multifaceted and as a therapist it is our job to help you to connect the dots.
8. Is therapy confidential? The answer to this is yes. There are only two situations where your case will be discussed with someone else, 1) anonymously during a supervision session, or 2) if you tell me that you or another person is in danger or serious harm. 
9. Will the therapist judge me? The answer to this is simply no. Therapy sessions are open and I as a therapist am always non-judgmental and non-critical.
10. How much does therapy cost? Each therapist will charge a specific rate for their sessions. This can be based on location, experience and expertise, market competition, and so on. What is important to remember that therapy is self-investment. You can find the price for my hourly session under ‘Services > Therapy.’

If you have any other questions do feel free to send me an email below.

Warm wishes,

Rachel