Individual Psychotherapy Explained
Attending a first psychotherapy session can feel daunting, especially if you are new to the world of therapy. Whilst this I totally understandable, it is worth remembering that it is my job to help you feel comfortable and able to articulate what’s happening for you. It is not on you to come with any wisdom or answers. We can work that out together. You do not need to prepare any material beforehand. Neither will you leave my sessions with any homework. All you need to do is to arrive with a willingness to be curious about the session.
Sessions last one hour. I ask that you arrive on time but not early, as I don’t have a waiting room. Please have your mobile on silent or, better still, turned off. The more you can tune out every day distractions, the more you will get out of your hour.
I use a Person Centred technique. This means that you choose what we discuss. Whilst it’s up to you what you bring, I won’t be passive and I will facilitate you exploring in greater depth the themes you are raising.
I do not offer a free first session or a shorter taster first session. A full hour long first session is invaluable for me to really get to grips with what we are dealing with.
So in short, come on time, with a clear head and nohting to distract you and I will take care of the rest. No need to prepare any material at all.
Walk and Talk Therapy Explained
During COVID, like many therapists, I began to adapt my style of working to fit the requirements of the world we found ourselves in. This was when I began to take clients into the outdoors.
I am lucky to live close to some glorious countryside. There are both woodlands and fells within walking distance of my home.
A walk and talk session is individual therapy. The only difference is the setting.
A session lasts one hour and we meet at my house. It is a therapy session, not fitness, and as such there is no imperative to go a particular distance or speed. The only extra requirement, beyond what I would ask of any other face to face client is that you dress prepared for the Cumbrian weather.
I find that the clients who get the most out of walk and talk sessions are those navigating life transition, eg bereavement, divorce or other losses. If you’re unsure whether you might prefer to be out and about rather than indoors, chat to me and we can work that out together.