Getting Started
It all starts with a conversation
Making contact
I know how much this work matters and how difficult taking that first step can sometimes feel. I think, though, you’ll quickly feel reassured. You can ask whatever you wish and talk to me about what is happening, knowing there’s no expectation you’ll go any further.
Couples often need time to decide what to do next and who they wish to see.
Getting back to you
Many clients, having made the decision to find a therapist, like to get things moving. That’s why I’ll always get back to you the same day, usually within a few hours.
Please feel free to phone if you wish. If I’m not with a client, I’ll always talk with you. If I am, you can leave me a WhatsApp voice message, send a text or email me. Whatever feels most comfortable is fine with me.
Preparing for your first meeting
You don’t need to prepare anything for our first meeting. Simply come along and let me know what you’d like from counselling, and we’ll take it from there. If you’re unsure where to start, I’ll be happy to guide you.
If you’d like to send me anything beforehand, you’re very welcome to email it to me.
Your first meeting and about fees
Your first meeting is a chance for us to begin working together and for you to experience what it’s actually like. We’ll talk about what has been happening, what you would like to change, and I’ll begin helping you understand what may be keeping you stuck and how we can move forward. You’ll also leave with something useful to take away so you can begin the work at home.
At the end, you can decide whether you would like to continue working with me. If you do, we’ll simply treat this as your first therapy session and the usual fee applies. If you decide not to continue, there’s no fee to pay.
Working together
If you’d like to continue, I’ll explain the terms of working together and give you a copy to take away. There’s no need to make any further commitment there and then. You’ll have time to read through everything at home and ask me about anything you’re unsure of before we continue.
If I'm not the right person
I wouldn’t agree to start working with you unless I believed my approach would be helpful for you. If I think another form of therapy would be better suited to your needs, I’ll always tell you, explain why and do my best to point you in the right direction.
I know the way I work isn’t right for everyone. My priority is helping you find the approach that gives you the best possible chance of creating the changes you’re looking for.
Where to find me
I’m just 300 metres from Caterham station and two minutes from Junction 6 of the M25, with plenty of parking available.