Individual Therapy
Therapy
Therapy gives you a chance to slow down, take a step away from your daily pressures, and we explore what’s happening in your life.
The process starts with an assessment to help identify challenges and your treatment goals. Then, together, we develop strategies to process your experiences, manage your symptoms and/or challenges, and work towards your goals.
I offer both in person and telehealth appointments.
Areas of Interest
The types of issues I work with include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Identity
- Trauma
- Relationship stress
- Work/Life stress Panic attacks
- Women’s wellbeing issues including menopause
- Self esteem
- Assertiveness and communication
- Grief and loss
- Coping with life changes
- Perinatal and postnatal depression
- Men’s mental health
- Attachment issues
What to expect at your first appointment
This appointment is all about you. I’d really like you to feel as comfortable as possible. If you need something to help you feel settled and safe, please feel free to bring that to your appointment as well.
It often seems like a frightening decision to talk to a stranger for the first time about the things that worry you the most or have held on to for a long time. And I appreciate the courage it takes to make that first call, and to come to that first appointment. During the appointment, you have the right to ask as many questions as you need to. Many people often don’t know what to say or how to start. That’s ok, I will help you with that.
Whether you book an appointment with me, or with any other psychologist, generally the purpose of the first appointment is to get a better understanding of the challenges you are experiencing and struggling with. It’s more like a ‘getting to know you’ session, where I ask questions to help prompt you so that I can have a better understanding of you and your circumstances. For most clients, this feels like a conversation where they get to speak about their life story.
The appointment will cover many aspects of your life. The more I know, the easier it is for me to ‘see’ your world from your perspective, so that I can tailor a treatment that is unique for you.
My goal is to help you feel safe to ‘leave’ your story with me for safe keeping until we next meet up. You don’t need to keep carrying it for next time. I will hold it for you until you return, and we can continue from there.
In Person (Face to Face)
This is where you come to my office and meet with me in person.
Many clients say this feels more personal, private and gives them a space away from home to talk about their concerns. This option gives you a distraction free space, where you can ‘leave your story behind’ and just take the new tools and resources back home with you.
In person therapy also has the advantage of being able to see body language and other micro behaviours that create the basis of communication.
Telehealth (Video link)
This is where we meet through a secure video link.
You will receive an email link the day before your appointment. You don’t need to download anything. Just click on the link and it will take you to a virtual waiting room. When it is time for your appointment, I will open the link so we can start our session. And please, feel free to have a bottle of water, tea, coffee or hot chocolate during our session. Some people like to bring a notepad in case they want to take notes.
This is a great option for those who cannot come into the practice for whatever the reason may be. And it has the advantage of allowing the momentum of therapy to continue regardless of life’s challenges or disruptions. It’s also a great opportunity for me to get a glimpse into your world. One of my favourite parts of telehealth is that I’ve met many wonderful pets, kids and partners this way.
Even if you had booked an in-person appointment, you can change to a Telehealth appointment at any time and on short notice if you are unable to come to my office.