You’ve chosen the psychologist you’d like to work with but you still have no idea what therapy will involve. This is one of the most common questions I receive and also one of the most difficult to answer. The way I practice means I draw on different therapeutic models, as well as working collaboratively with you to ensure the therapy works for you. Therefore, the therapy session basically looks like what you need it to look like!
But that isn’t a helpful answer if you have no idea what to expect from therapy. So, I will do my best to answer this very vague question. Therapy can either be in person or digital. In person sessions take place in one of the sites where I practice. The therapy takes place in a room with a few chairs in it, we will sit facing each other and there will be tissues and water available. Digital sessions take place via Zoom, a link will have been sent to you in advance so you can double check that it’s working for you before the session. It is best to do digital therapy in a quiet place with limited distractions and it must be in a space where you feel comfortable to talk.
The first session will be an assessment session. I will initially go through the therapy agreement, where I will go through the more practical side of therapy including the cancellation policy. The assessment involves lots of questions about different areas of your life, ranging from what is bringing you to therapy, your general health, your family background, your current life situation and previous experiences of therapy. You are welcome to be as detailed as you like for the assessment, and often it can take two sessions. You can also be as vague as you like if you don’t want to give too much detail, as long as I get the key information about your background and what you are hoping to gain from therapy. If we agree to work together, we will agree a treatment plan for the therapy.
After the assessment session, the sessions will proceed based on the treatment plan. If your goals relate to intrusive thoughts we may talk more about your inner voice or thinking patterns, potentially doing exercises around thinking. If your goals relate to relationships, we may work with your attachment style, discuss patterns and their origins. Activities can range from empty chair exercises, drawing, written handouts and imagery work. I will present all activities to you as an option and you can decide if you feel comfortable doing it. Homework is also optional, and I can give homework or not depending on your preferences.
As you can see, the therapy will be tailored to you, your goals and your preferences. I am integrative practitioner which perfectly situates me to draw from different therapeutic models to make the therapy work for you.