First sessions

First sessions are between 60 and 75 minutes duration. Unless you specifically request a single consultation, your first session will provide an opportunity for you to confidentially discuss why you have decided to see a counsellor at this time, what you would hope to achieve as a result of your visits and to ask any questions you may have. I also will ask for information about your history and general life situation. We will discuss options for addressing your concerns and, if counselling is indicated, you will be actively involved in the development of a therapy plan.

The therapy process

Subsequent sessions are scheduled for 60 minutes. These are usually scheduled weekly or fortnightly in the beginning with intervals between sessions adjusted as therapy progresses. We discuss progress towards your goals and satisfaction with therapy at regular intervals and this provides the opportunity to adjust our plan if necessary.

What therapeutic frameworks do I use?

Some clients are interested in the various approaches that a counsellor uses. If this is you, read on. My preferred approach draws on the ideas of systemic family therapy. Family therapy (also known as systemic therapy) is a treatment approach based on theories which highlight the importance of people’s relationships and interactions, their particular context, and the meanings given to events as useful themes for understanding their situations and for designing therapeutic interventions to assist with their dilemmas and problems.

As a family therapist, I can work with individuals, couples, families or organisations. I work in ways that acknowledge the contexts of people’s families and other relationships, sharing and respecting individuals’ different perspectives, beliefs, views and stories, and exploring possible ways forward. I therefore not only support change with individuals but also in their relationships in the family and beyond.

While a systems approach is my key frame, I also draw on elements of a variety of other psychological approaches when relevant to the presenting problem.