In this 15-20 minute phone call we can discuss expectations and to see whether I am the right person for you. It is also a good opportunity for you to ask me any questions. If I feel that I am not the appropriate therapist then I will discuss this with you and we can explore an appropriate alternative (e.g. referral).
The first session provides an opportunity for us to enter into our therapeutic agreement together; this will cover confidentiality, cancellations, and further terms and conditions. This agreement allows us both to know exactly what to expect from the process so that we can come to a mutual agreement that works for us together. We will then explore what is currently bringing you to therapy and what you would like from the process. The first session can be quite exploratory in that we may 'zoom out' from the here-and-now and gather information about what it was like growing up or what your interpersonal relationships are like.
I do prefer to work face-to-face but I can appreciate and acknowledge that it is not always practical nor accessible for everybody, I can facilitate virtual (video) and telephone appointments too. Regardless of the method of working we will occasionally 'check in' and see how we are both experiencing the sessions.