Psychotherapy - What to Expect
Psychotherapy and Counselling
Individuals/Couples
You should expect the initial Counselling and Psychotherapy session to last approximately fifty minutes and during this time we discuss your reasons for making the appointment, gather background information about your concerns and evaluate your needs. This first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions you might have. At the end of this session we will be able to offer you an evaluation of how we can best work together and the type of psychotherapy most suited to your situation.
Children
Choosing therapy for your child can feel like a big step, and we’re here to support you through it. Before the first visit, we encourage parents to talk with their child about why they’re coming and to let them know this is a safe, caring space. Reassure them that they will always be respected and never asked to say or do anything they’re not comfortable with.
We usually begin with a first session that includes both the child and their parent(s). Many children feel more at ease knowing a parent is nearby, and meeting together helps us understand everyone’s concerns and experiences. This shared time allows us to learn more about your family, gather helpful background information, and begin building trust from the very start.
As Counselling and Psychotherapy continue, sessions may include individual meetings with the child, parent only consultations, or joint sessions, depending on the childs needs, preferences, and the nature of the concerns. Treatment recommendations are carefully tailored to support the childs's development and overall wellbeing within the family context.
Adolescents and Young People
The first Counselling and Psychotherapy session for adolescents is designed to feel welcoming, respectful, and supportive. We encourage parents to speak with their adolescent before the visit to explain the purpose of the appointment and to reassure them that Counselling and Psychotherapy is a safe space where their voice matters. Adolescents are never required to share anything they are not comfortable discussing, especially during the initial session.
During the initial session, we typically meet with both the adolescent and their parent(s) together for part of the appointment. This allows us to understand each persons’s perspective and gather important background information. We also recognize adolescents' need for privacy and growing independence, so time is often set aside to meet with the adolescent individually. This balanced approach helps establish trust and creates a supportive environment where adolescents can begin to feel heard and understood.
As Counselling and Psychotherapy continue, sessions may include individual meetings with the adolescent, parent only consultations, or joint sessions, depending on the adolescents needs, preferences, and the nature of the concerns. Treatment recommendations are carefully tailored to support the adolescent's development and overall wellbeing within the family context.