FAQ

It’s completely normal to have some questions before reaching out to a psychologist. Starting therapy can feel like a big step, particularly if you haven’t done it before, so I’ve answered some of the questions I’m asked most often below. If there’s something you’re unsure about, you’re also very welcome to ask me when we first meet. Your first session is not just about me getting to know you, it’s also an opportunity for you to decide whether I feel like the right therapist for you.

For what reasons do people attend therapy?

There isn’t one particular reason people seek therapy. You might be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress or grief, but therapy can also be helpful when you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed or simply wanting to understand yourself better. Sometimes people come because they want a safe space to reflect, make changes, improve their relationships or feel more fulfilled in their everyday lives. For some clients, therapy becomes something they continue beyond their initial concerns. Once things feel more manageable, we can shift our focus towards personal growth, building confidence, strengthening relationships and creating a life that feels more aligned with what matters to you.

What can I expect from my first session?

Your first session is really about me getting to know you and understanding what has brought you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about what you’ve been experiencing, as well as areas of your life that may be relevant, such as your relationships, family, work and general wellbeing. You don’t need to have everything figured out beforehand, we can work through that together. We’ll also talk about what you would like to get from therapy and what you hope might be different as a result of our work together. From there, we can develop some goals and discuss an approach that works for you. I generally use the first session to understand the bigger picture, before moving into specific interventions from the second session onwards. The first session is also a chance for you to see whether you feel comfortable with me. Therapy is a collaborative process, and feeling safe, understood and respected is an important part of that.

How many sessions will I need?

There’s no set number of sessions that will work for everyone. Research suggests that a minimum of 10-15 sessions of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is recommended for issues like depression and anxiety. However, this is just a general guideline, and individual experiences can differ significantly. I’ll regularly check in on how things are progressing and whether the approach we’re taking is helping you move towards your goals. Your engagement between sessions can also make a difference. Where appropriate, I may suggest therapeutic exercises and homework between appointments so that the work we do together can continue outside of our sessions.

How often will I need to attend?

This will depend on your specific concerns, the chosen treatment approach and your personal circumstances such as your schedule and budget. I generally recommend starting with weekly or fortnightly sessions for the first 4-6 sessions, however after this period we can look at spacing sessions further apart. We’ll work this out together based on what is clinically appropriate for you, as well as what fits with your lifestyle, schedule and budget.

What if i’m not the right fit?

Finding the right psychologist is important, and not every psychologist will be the right fit for every person. Therapy involves being open and vulnerable, so it’s important that you feel comfortable, respected and understood by the person sitting across from you. I’ll always aim to create a warm, non-judgemental and supportive environment, but if you ever feel that we’re not the right match, please don’t hesitate to let me know. If I feel that another therapist may be better suited to your needs, I’ll also be open about that and can help you consider other options.

Is my information confidential?

Confidentiality is a really important part of therapy. I understand that sharing personal experiences can feel vulnerable, and I don’t take the trust involved in that lightly. However there are some situations where I may be legally required to share information, this might occur if I believe you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm. I’ll explain these limits to you clearly before we begin working together.