How Sessions Work

So if I start sessions, what should I expect?...

I know that it can feel intimidating to get in touch with a therapist, especially if this is the first time you're doing this, so this page is designed to give you an idea of how sessions work and what working with me looks like so that you can have a better idea of what to expect before you decide to get in touch.

I'm firstly going to answer a very common question as I know so many people wish to know this;

How many sessions will I need?

The answer is there's no set amount of sessions you should have, it will depend on what we're working on together and what you're looking to change within yourself and in your life.

Having said that, solution focused therapy can be very effective in a relatively short amount of time.

The average number of sessions is between 8 -12, but it could be more or less.

If you are still left with a question after reading this page then please get in touch via the Contact page and I'll get right back to you.

Initial Chat

The first thing we'll do is have a chat on the phone together, this is totally relaxed and completely free.

We'll talk for about half an hour. During this phone call you can tell me a bit about what's happening for you and how you would like me to help you. This is a chance for you to see how you feel about working with me and make sure you feel comfortable and happy with the possibility of me being your therapist before we start sessions together. I'll tell you exactly how sessions work and you can ask me as many questions as you want to.

First Session

In your first session, which will be up to an hour and a half long, we'll spend time working on what your goals are and what it is you want to get from your sessions with me. We don't rush this, we take our time creating a clear image of what changes it is that you want to see for yourself and your life.

Then I'll explain a bit about what is happening within your brain which can be contributing to how you are feeling. I'll be teaching you some simple but important things about how our minds work and this can be really helpful in understanding why you are feeling the way you do.

Session 2 onwards

These sessions last and hour. Simply put, we chat. We'll talk about how your week has been and I'll ask you some questions which won't be hard but may get your mind working and looking at things in a different way.

We will continue from the previous session by reviewing and looking at more ways in which your brain and mind is influencing your life and what you're currently experiencing.

Then we have our first session of Hypnotherapy. This lasts around half an hour and by this time I will have fully explained to you what Hypnotherapy is, so you know the how's and why's and what to expect.

This combination of us talking and then Hypnotherapy will be how our sessions continue from then on.

Between sessions

During our session we may have come up with some new things for you to try, we may begin to create some simple routines or small new tasks for you to practice. These will be completely dependant on what we're working on for you and you will be a part of the process of creating them so they will only ever be what is appropriate for you at the time. I'll never ask you to do something you're not capable of. These new experiences are designed to help your brain to begin to work in a new way for you and will allow you to continue to make significant and lasting changes even when we're not in our session together.