You can contact me by phone or email. We will discuss your situation briefly and plan a time to meet at my office. If we determine that you require a different type of service I will try to help you find it.
At Our First Session
We will explore your reasons for seeking counselling and what you hope to gain from the experience. I will try to answer any questions you might have. We can make an initial plan for the number of sessions we will meet, keeping in mind that the duration of counselling is different for everyone. I will encourage open discussion about your progress and whether your expectations are being met during our sessions. You can choose to withdraw from counselling at any time.
Assessment, Exploration, Experimentation, and Change
My goal is always to help clients bring about positive changes as quickly as possible. During the first few sessions of counselling I will complete a global assessment of your situation and help you identify personal goals. We can also discuss the approach that will be most beneficial to you. It is not unusual for people to experience relief of symptoms during the first few sessions as the safety of the counselling environment and the opportunity to talk can bring about immediate improvements.
With the identified goals in mind, I will guide you through an exploration of your thoughts and feelings regarding current or past events so that you can gain a better understanding of your situation and of yourself. Experimentation may involve trying out new ways of seeing things, new behaviors, and new skills. I may suggest some activities for you to do outside of our meetings so you can learn more about your situation and practice new skills. I will guide the process in a manner that is sensitive to your comfort level, while also providing opportunities for you to be challenged.
The change that occurs in counselling is different for everyone and every situation. In my experience, talking with a professional, somebody other than a friend or relative, provides a person with an opportunity to express ideas, thoughts and feelings without guilt, shame, or fear of being judged. Again, my goal is to help clients bring about positive changes as quickly as possible. Changes that will create a sense of peace and hope in their lives.