It is completely normal to feel scared or nervous about the first appointment. Taking the first step is always difficult. Coming to therapy can sometimes provoke feelings of anxiety and uncertainty even for those who have experience of therapy in the past. I understand that sharing your feelings, thoughts and worries with someone you have just met can feel overwhelming. I want to assure you that there is no expectation for you to tell me everything. I will sit and listen to you, and give you the space to share what you want with me. We will build a trusting relationship together, before we begin our therapeutic work.
In our first session together, we will discuss what brings you to therapy, as well as what your expectations are. This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and assess your needs in an empathetic and non-judgmental space. You can also get a sense of how I work and how you feel about me. Our relationship is one of the most important factors of your therapy.
Therapy is a sacred and collaborative experience, where both of us will work together to shape the sessions. You are the expert of your own life, and our goal together is to understand your struggles, needs and desires. What do you want in life? How do you get there? This time together is for you, to talk out your ideas and wishes in a safe and supportive environment. I truly believe that this therapy is a meaningful step towards leading a more fulfilling life.
Personalised treatment plans
I take an integrative approach to therapy. This is because there isn’t just one therapeutic approach to help you in every situation, instead, I use several different approaches to help you explore, understand and manage your struggles. Some of the approaches I use are: Existential therapy, Ontological therapy, Phenomenology, Psychodynamics, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
Depending on your goals and needs, I will create a personalised plan that encompasses you and your unique experiences and needs. Once I understand your experience the next step will always be psychoeducation. We will discuss how you experience your struggles, and understand the processes happening in the body. By understanding how the brain and body react you can learn to identify your triggers and take control of future situations.
Alongside this, the focus of our work together will be to create a roadmap to reach the goals you have identified. We will use different tools to help you embrace your thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them. This will help you to lead a more meaningful and purposeful life. Often this can also include new lifestyle habits and healthy routines to support your mental and physical well-being. Over time we will tweak and adjust the plan to make sure that you are happy and thriving.
Medication
As a psychotherapist I perceive your concerns as challenges related to the way you live, rather than approaching them solely from a medical perspective. I’m not a psychiatrist, so I can’t recommend or prescribe medication. However, I believe medication can be beneficial for some people for a short amount of time and in some cases it can help people engage more in therapy. If you are currently taking medications or considering it, I can work with you and your doctor to create a collaborative treatment plan. If medications are needed, then I believe they should be used in moderation. The ultimate goal is to provide the most comprehensive and effective support for your well-being.
