WHAT TO EXPECT
Like any important relationship in life, the key to finding the right therapist largely comes down to chemistry: do I trust and feel comfortable enough with this person to be open and honest with them? For this reason I always encourage a potential new client to book an initial session. Then not only can we talk about what you would like to gain from the therapy and how I might be able to help you, but you can judge for yourself whether you feel I am the right person to work with.
People are often understandably anxious about coming to therapy. It usually takes a lot of courage to make this first move and you may have been thinking of doing it for months (or years).
In the initial session, I will ask questions to help you tell me your story and we can think together about why you are seeking help now, and what you might be hoping to gain from it (not always an obvious or straightforward answer).
Then I will suggest how best I think I can help you, or even if I think a professional other than myself will be more suitable for your needs.
For example, you may have come to me because of stress at work. We may decide to work on this at three levels: 1) teaching some stress management techniques that may help immediately, 2) investigate changes in your own thinking and/or behaviour that could alter the current situation, then may be investigate the options for possible job change. And concurrently, 3) we will probably look into your past to uncover where certain unhelpful beliefs and thoughts originated and if you might want to question them.
Some of my clients need support through an immediate personal crisis, such as a relationship break up or bereavement. Others feel stuck in their lives but aren’t quite sure what they want to change or achieve. Everyone’s lives and issues receive the same attitude of compassionate curiosity as I work together with you in full collaboration to achieve insight, understanding and change. You are the expert on your life, I have expertise and experience to add. The overriding aim is that you can become your own therapist to move on, empowered and strengthened to cope with the challenges ahead.
Like any important relationship in life, the key to finding the right therapist largely comes down to chemistry: do I trust and feel comfortable enough with this person to be open and honest with them? For this reason I always encourage a potential new client to book an initial session. Then not only can we talk about what you would like to gain from the therapy and how I might be able to help you, but you can judge for yourself whether you feel I am the right person to work with.
People are often understandably anxious about coming to therapy. It usually takes a lot of courage to make this first move and you may have been thinking of doing it for months (or years).
In the initial session, I will ask questions to help you tell me your story and we can think together about why you are seeking help now, and what you might be hoping to gain from it (not always an obvious or straightforward answer).
Then I will suggest how best I think I can help you, or even if I think a professional other than myself will be more suitable for your needs.
For example, you may have come to me because of stress at work. We may decide to work on this at three levels: 1) teaching some stress management techniques that may help immediately, 2) investigate changes in your own thinking and/or behaviour that could alter the current situation, then may be investigate the options for possible job change. And concurrently, 3) we will probably look into your past to uncover where certain unhelpful beliefs and thoughts originated and if you might want to question them.
Some of my clients need support through an immediate personal crisis, such as a relationship break up or bereavement. Others feel stuck in their lives but aren’t quite sure what they want to change or achieve. Everyone’s lives and issues receive the same attitude of compassionate curiosity as I work together with you in full collaboration to achieve insight, understanding and change. You are the expert on your life, I have expertise and experience to add. The overriding aim is that you can become your own therapist to move on, empowered and strengthened to cope with the challenges ahead.
You can contact me on 07814 499 464
or at jacmarson@btinternet.com