What to Expect in Therapy
What to Expect in Therapy: A Guide to How We Work Together
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely natural to wonder what actually happens once you commit to it. Whether you are considering counselling for the first time or looking for a new psychotherapist, I want to demystify the process for you.
Here is a practical and honest look at how we will work together in my private practice.
Practical Setup: Session Formats & Frequency
Good therapy relies on stability and consistency so you can focus entirely on your inner world. Here is how we set up that foundation:
- Format: I offer both in-person therapy sessions in St Albans and Bushey, as well as flexible online counselling across the UK. If we meet in person, I will send you practical details ahead of time, including directions and parking information.
- Frequency & Time: Therapy works best when it's a predictable part of your routine. We will meet weekly for 50-minute sessions, agreeing on a consistent day and time that suits us both.
What Happens in Your First Therapy Session?
Our very first session is a dedicated space for us to explore three main questions: What issue are you experiencing? Why is it a problem? And why now?
During this initial consultation, I will gather background information and ask a few structured questions. This helps us set a clear direction and groundwork for our upcoming work together.
The First Few Weeks: Building Trust and Safety
The first two to three sessions are entirely focused on getting to know each other and establishing trust.
A Quick Reminder: This phase isn’t about immediately "fixing" anything. It’s about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel comfortable lowering your defences to talk about the reasons you sought counselling.
By this point, we will have a sense of where our work is going. Because client autonomy is vital in therapy, the choice is entirely yours whether you prefer a fixed number of short-term sessions or open-ended open work.
Keeping on Track: Regular Progress Reviews
Therapy should never feel aimless. To make sure you are getting the value and support you need, we will review our work every 6 to 8 sessions.
This review gives us a chance to check in on the original issues that brought you to therapy, evaluate how our therapeutic relationship is progressing, and make any adjustments to our direction.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If you feel ready to explore counselling or have questions about how therapy can support you, I invite you to get in touch, Book an Initial Consultation.