Your first session will typically include a discussion of the issues that brought you to counselling and of your related feelings and thoughts—it is a time for establishing rapport and for you to determine whether this is a comfortable therapeutic ‘fit.’ At this time, we will also set some initial goals for counselling. You are encouraged to share your feedback to ensure that the counselling is benefiting you. I may also share some initial impressions.
We begin with a brief review of last week’s session, attend to any pressing issues, and further clarify your goals for counselling. Together, we will develop a plan for achieving these goals and identify steps along the path. For best results, the action you take will be a combination of in-session discussion and practice outside of the session.
Salient issues, as identified by you, are discussed in further detail. Progress in meeting goals is reviewed regularly and mutual feedback continues. Frequency of sessions ranges from weekly to monthly, and is determined collaboratively. I provide both short-term and long-term counselling depending on client prerogative and the issues at hand.
Sessions are complete when we are satisfied that the issues that you came to counselling for have been sufficiently addressed or resolved. Should you identify a problem outside of my realm of expertise, I will work to present you with the names of alternative counselling professionals.
