Appointments usually last between 50 to 60 minutes. This time includes our preparation for the session and summarising the session in your file afterwards.
The first session will usually entail a through exploration of your life history and the specific problem(s) you want help with. We will also discuss treatment options with you in the first session.
It is very helpful for the successful outcome of your therapy if you could think about how ready you are to make changes in your life. You could also bring a short list of the goals you want to achieve in therapy to your first session.
We will estimate the number of sessions you may need and discuss the type of therapy that is likely to lead to an effective outcome for you.
We are trained to use a number of therapy approaches that have been researched and have proved useful to others in the studies. These include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Schema Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Family Systems therapy, and others.
You should expect to be given tasks or new strategies to try out between your sessions in order to help you pave the way for change.
If appropriate, your family members may be asked to join in for a session or two.
Maximise the benefits you get from therapy by:
Regularly attending appointments.
Being open and honest about your problems.
Seeking some insight into your problems.
Being motivated to work on yourself.
Maintaining an open mind that change is possible.
Tolerating some discomfort in the process of change.
Testing out new behaviour patterns to the best of your ability.
Consolidating and refining your newly learned skills over time.
