Support for children, adults, and families

An initial consultation is 20 minutes and is always free of charge. The purpose of the consultation is to help you decide whether you have found someone that is the right fit for you.

During the consultation, you’ll have the chance to meet the therapist or counsellor, ask any questions you may have, and find out more about how we work and what is involved in sessions. There is no expectation to talk in detail about what’s been going on for you, although you’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

If you choose to come in-person, it is also a chance to see the space and get a sense of whether it feels like the right option for you. The consultation is informal, pressure-free, and entirely about giving you the information and reassurance you need to make a decision that feels right.

Your first session will be an opportunity to explore what has brought you to therapy in more detail, and to formally begin the process.

In most cases, your therapist will begin by talking through some practical details and creating a contract between you both. This includes things like session fees, confidentiality, cancellations, and what you can expect from therapy.

The first session is also a chance for your therapist to begin getting to know you and what you want to bring to sessions. This might involve gentle questions and discussion – again, you need only share what you feel comfortable with. The most important thing is that the session moves at your pace. Sessions may look slightly different depending on your needs and the therapist you’re working with.

You’ll have space to talk about what’s currently difficult for you, what you might like support with, and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy. Together, you and your therapist will begin to think about next steps and how you might work together going forward.

Sessions usually last between 50 and 60 minutes, depending on the type of therapy you are accessing. Your therapist will keep time and may use a range of different methods, such as a timer or gentle verbal reminders, to ensure the session stays on track and you have time to explore anything you want to cover.