what happens in the first session and is it paid for?

We meet either online or in person and get a feel for each other and figure out if we’d like to work together. The first session is paid for and is the same rate as the other sessions. It really is important to find someone you resonate with, where you have a strong sense of: 'yes this person can help me', this session should leave you feeling clear about that one way or another. I also offer shorter introductory Zoom or phone calls, however I think it’s best to decide whether you want to continue with any therapist once you have had a full session with them.

what is gestalt?

Gestalt is a type of therapy which focuses on the here-and-now. We look at what’s happening now and explore how it might be an echo from your past. There is an emphasis on the body - how are your patterns and ways of being felt in your body? Gestalt therapy explores the benefits and drawbacks of what’s happening in the here-and-now and encourages experimentation with changing things up a little.

How long is each session?

Individual sessions are 50 minutes and couples sessions are 1hour and 20 minutes

How often do we meet

Once a week for individual sessions. For couples we meet once a week for 4 weeks and then find a rhythm that works, usually but not always, every fortnight.

how long does therapy continue on for?

As long as you feel it needs to, although as a general rule couples therapy tends to be shorter than individual. Sometimes we decide from the start that a few months or a year seems right, other times it may feel more suitable to leave it open-ended.

is there ‘homework’?

I almost never give concrete homework in individual therapy unless it something that you and I decide would be helpful. When working with couples I may suggest it, but only occasionally.

how do i know it’s working?

You may begin to understand yourself and your patterns of relating more clearly. Acceptance is a big part of the therapeutic process and you can find that you’re less critical of yourself, more embracing of parts you may have previously wanted to hide or been ashamed of. Sometimes a therapy session can be difficult and you may feel like things are being stirred up for a while before they resettle into something more fulfilling. After a time of working with a therapist you should start noticing changes in your life, in how you make decisions and how you are in your relationships.