Cost: €70 per session, payable within 24 hours of booking to secure your appointment
What Happens in Therapy?
Session Length: 60 minutes
-
The first session is different from all the sessions that follow. It is called an intake assessment. Here is exactly what will happen:
We will sit together and I will ask you some questions. There is no right or wrong way to answer, just answer as honestly as you can. I will ask:
What has brought you to counselling at this point in your life
What you are hoping therapy might help you with
A little about yourself and your background
This first session works in both directions. I am finding out whether I am the right therapist to meet your specific needs. At the same time, you are finding out whether you feel comfortable working with me. It is completely fine if you decide I am not the right fit for you, that’s a normal and reasonable outcome of a first session.
-
You do not need to prepare anything or know what to say. It is my job to guide the conversation. I will ask questions, and we will go from there. Many people feel nervous before their first session. That’s completely normal.
If we both feel it would be helpful to continue, we will book your next appointment before you leave.
Session 1
-
From the second session onwards, you lead the conversation. There is no set agenda and no pressure to talk about anything you’re not ready to discuss.
You might want to talk about:
Things that have been worrying you
Feelings you have been experiencing
Relationships in your life
Things that have been making daily life difficult
Your special interests; these are always welcome here
Sometimes I may suggest a practical activity or technique that could help with something you have raised. You’re never obliged to try anything I suggest.
-
I understand that knowing what to expect matters. Every session will follow the same basic structure: we meet, we talk, and we end on time at 60 minutes. Nothing will happen in a session that you have not agreed to.
Therapeutic Sessions
-
Therapy does not have a fixed end date. You can choose to stop attending at any time. You don’t need to give a reason, and you don’t need anyone's permission. That decision belongs entirely to you.
When you feel ready to finish, it is considered good practice to have one final session that is specifically about ending. This is sometimes called a closing session or ending session.
This session is different from a regular session. It has a loose structure, and here is what it might include:
Looking back at your progress:
We can look at where you were when you first came to therapy, and where you are now. Sometimes it is hard to notice how much has changed when you are in the middle of it. This session is a chance to see that clearly.
Reviewing skills and strategies:
If we have worked on any techniques or strategies together during your sessions, we can revisit these so you feel confident taking them with you after therapy ends.
Sharing feedback:
If you would like to tell me what was helpful, what was not helpful, or anything you think I should know, this is a good time to do that. Feedback is always welcome. You won’t cause offence!
Concerns about finishing:
It is normal to feel uncertain, anxious, or even sad about ending therapy, particularly if it has been helpful. We can talk about those feelings openly.
-
Some clients find it meaningful to mark the end of therapy in a small, personal way. This is completely optional. Some examples:
Writing a letter to your future self
Creating a piece of artwork that represents your journey
Making a list of things you are taking away from therapy
Simply reflecting on what this time has meant to you
There’s no pressure to do any of these. They’re there if they feel right for you.
-
Finishing therapy does not mean the door is permanently closed. If you find yourself going through a difficult period in the future and feel you would benefit from returning, you are always welcome to get back in touch.
Final Session
