Initial contact & assessment

It can feel like a big step to start seeking help. You don’t need a complete understanding of your problems or what type of therapy you want in order to start the process of getting help. When you first make contact you can expect to have a brief conversation (by email or phone) about the difficulties you are experiencing and what you are looking for. If it feels appropriate to go ahead you will then be offered an opportunity to meet for an initial assessment.

An initial assessment lasts for approximately 60-90 minutes and is a chance to explore any current issues facing you and any relevant background to these. This leads us to a shared understanding of the problems, how they have developed and what is keeping them going. Following from this we can work out together what the best individualised treatment plan is for you. Some people come alone, others like to bring a close other. For young people it is always recommended that they attend with at least one family member, and more are welcome.

There is no obligation to commit to therapy after the assessment. You will be offered advice on what the most effective treatments are for your issues and a chance to talk through the options and work out what feels best for you. Assessment is an opportunity for you to ask questions too and work out if the therapist is a good fit for you, as well as for the therapist to work out how they might help you.