I am aware that many people feel apprehensive about coming to see a psychologist, especially for the first time. This is a normal experience and I will do my best to help you feel comfortable.

 

During the first session, I will ask questions to get a better understanding of what is going on for you right now and what you would like help with. Often this includes exploring things like what is important to you, what you want to get out of therapy, and what is getting in the way of you living the life that you want. This information-gathering phase may also be supplemented by the use of questionnaires.

 

The first sessions are also an opportunity to figure out if you think we can work well together, as the success of therapy depends on the quality of the relationship between us.

 

Once I understand more about you and what you would like from therapy, we will work together to agree on a plan for therapy. I usually work with people on a weekly or fortnightly basis, however this is something we can decide on together. The number of therapy sessions you attend is also an individualised decision and varies based on the types of problems you are wanting to work on and your needs. This can vary from 1-2 sessions for a brief intervention, 6-12 sessions for short-term therapy, or 20+ sessions for long-term therapy (or anywhere in between).

 

Please note that the types of therapy I practice are considered to be active interventions. This means that in order to make the most out of our time together, you will be encouraged to apply the skills and strategies learnt in sessions to your daily life.

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To ensure that what we are doing is meeting your needs, we will also regularly check in and review our progress throughout our sessions together.

 

You can find out more about clinical psychology in the For the Public guides on the NZ College of Clinical Psychologists and NZ Psychologists' Board websites.