Your first visit

Seeing a psychologist can be daunting. Not only are you struggling with something very personal but you must now meet someone you have never met before and talk about yourself, your life and your difficulties.

Although there is no standard first appointment, I will give you a rough idea of what happens when you meet me for the first time. The aim of the first appointment – also called the assessment or the initial consultation – is to find out what form of help you are seeking and whether or not psychological intervention is the most appropriate form of treatment.

During the initial consultation we will discuss your past experiences, present life circumstances as well as hopes and plans for the future. You will be encouraged to tell me about yourself and about what lead you to contact me. You can choose how much you wish to share. We will discuss whether or not we feel comfortable working together. You need to feel that you can trust me and I need to know that I can be of help.

If at the end of the initial consultation we both agree that therapy appears to be a suitable form of help, we will make a preliminary plan on how to approach the problem.

However, if during the consultation we come to the conclusion that therapy is not the best approach, we will discuss what other options are available. If I feel unable to offer the type of psychological help that suits you best I will openly discuss it with you. Whenever possible I will suggest another professional or organisation for you to contact.

Your first appointment will last 50 minutes. If that is not enough time to discuss all relevant issues, a second assessment will be arranged. This will allow us to cover everything necessary before deciding whether or not to begin working together.