
What can you expect in sessions?
Contrary to popular myths, talking therapy isn't about lying on a couch in a darkened room, while your therapist asks you probing questions about your sexual fantasies and takes mysterious notes!
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You will normally be invited to sit on a sofa during the session, unless we have agreed to do some walk-and-talk therapy. I rarely take notes during sessions, as I want to be fully focused on you when you are speaking.
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Sessions usually last between 50 minutes and 1 hour, which gives us the flexibility to bring the session to a natural close. During the session, I will give you time and space to talk about the issue you have brought. I will help you to explore this in greater depth by:
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actively listening to and engaging with you;
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being emotionally attuned to you;
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asking you questions about your experiences, both in the here-and-now and in the past.
If I think it will be beneficial to you, I may occasionally offer to guide you through a therapeutic activity, but this will always be a collaborative exercise that involves your fully informed consent.
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The therapeutic journey...
Our first few sessions will normally be spent exploring the issue you have brought and building a secure and trusting relationship. We will also agree some initial goals together, which we'll review on a regular basis and adjust if needed.
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Everyone has a unique therapeutic journey, and I invite open and honest discussions about how sessions are going, what you need or want from me, and what I'm able to give you.
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As part of your own journey, you may like to experiment with other ways of exploring what is going on for you, perhaps through creative expression or taking sessions outdoors. I'm a strong advocate for the therapeutic benefits of the the natural world and creative arts, and will happily facilitate this for you if it's something you'd like to explore.
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No therapeutic journey is ever the same, and what works for one person won't necessarily work for you. That is why it's so important to find a therapist and approach that fits you.