Wolds Psychotherapy & Counselling Practice Consulting room
It is my view that the environment in which psychotherapy and counselling takes place is particularly important, and for this reason I ensure that my consulting room is a private, confidential, quiet, comfortable and a warm space to work in. The consulting room is located inside number 14 Pickering Park (the house at the top and to the right hand side of the cul-de-sac). To ensure that the room remains a welcoming environment, I invite those I work with to bring indoor footwear with them.
What happens in the first session?
The first session provides you with an opportunity to meet me and to ask me any questions you might need to ask. This is an opportunity for you to check out whether you think there will be a ‘goodness of fit’ between us that will enable us to work well together. It is not unusual for some new clients to feel nervous as they approach their first session although this is not always the case.
After initial greetings I will show you where the bathroom facilities are located. I will then invite you to read through a Contract for Therapeutic Services. This document provides information about: (1) confidentiality and the limits of confidentiality (2) the initial number of sessions you agree to attend (3) the fee that will be charged for therapy (4) the practice’s policy on cancellations (5) the dates on which the practice will be closed for routine breaks and (6) information about the codes of ethics that underpin the services I offer.
The aim of inviting you to enter into a Contract for Therapeutic Services is to ensure that clear administrative boundaries are established at the outset. These boundaries are important and are maintained throughout the course of your therapy. Once the contents of the document have been fully understood and have been signed by us both, I will then invite you to describe your reasons for coming to see me. As you talk about the problem(s) you are bringing, I begin the process of assessment before deciding whether and how I may be able to help you.
What about ongoing sessions?
During ongoing sessions, you and I will talk about you, your life and your problems. It is hoped that as you encounter my consistency, reliability and other personal qualities that you will have already noted under the heading About me, a trusting relationship will develop between us. In a relationship such as this, people are more inclined to feel safe enough to begin sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings.
During the early stage of your therapy, you and I will work together to formulate a Therapeutic Contract and in order to facilitate you in the completion of this, I will ask you a series of questions such as:
- What is your goal in coming for psychotherapy / counselling?
- How will you and I know when you have achieved your goal?
- What might you need to let go of to achieve your goal?
- What do you imagine will emerge in place of what you give up?
- How might you prevent yourself from reaching your goal?
- What part do you want me to play in helping you reach your goal?
In the course of your therapy you may find yourself developing some important insights into yourself, your problems and your relationships generally. You will also have ongoing opportunities to make contact with your feelings as you delve into current and historical experiences.