Just so you know, coming to therapy for the first time can be seriously nerve racking and even if you have been going to therapy, seeing a new therapist can still be daunting.

I am here to help. I would like to welcome you to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

In the first session, l will find out a little more about you!
You are still a person with ideas, hobbies and dreams aside from your problems. I want to hear about your family/ pets, your likes and dislikes as well as what you like to do for fun.

Please, send me an email before the first session with any concerns or questions.

The main thing to remember:

I am not going to take sides, judge or tell you what to do. My purpose here is to work with you and come up with strategies to solve the inner problem.

Now that you’re aware of what to expect from the first session, here are a few pointers to help maximise time in therapy.

Be kind to yourself.
Therapy can be emotional; you’re allowed to have big feelings.

Tell me why you are seeking help. Its not easy to talk about our problems. However, a problem shared is much easier to deal with than a problem kept inside.

Be open to reflect on your own thoughts and behaviors.

Sometimes l may challenge your thinking to look inward. It is not to be mean or take sides, it is simply to offer different ways of thinking about the same issue.

Give therapy at least a few tries.

Therapy does get easier, and the first session is often learning who you are, which means it may not make you feel you have done anything or it has worked. This is part of the process. As you become more familiar with the setting, you will know if l am the right fit for you or if perhaps you may need to find another therapist to work with.

Whats helpful

Try to be as open and honest with your thoughts and feelings. If the question l asked makes you feel uncomfortable, say so.

If lm not the right fit, that's ok.

Just as in life, you won’t always mesh with everyone you meet. You’re free to search for a new therapist you feel comfortable with, rather than sticking with one you don’t. I will understand if you choose to receive help from another therapist as its my wish is to see you feel better.