You can expect to be welcomed, helped to feel comfortable and treated with respect.
You can be assured that you will receive a professional, ethical and caring service.
You can feel safe knowing that you can say anything and you will not be judged and that your confidentiality is guaranteed.
Prior to our first meeting I will send you a confirmation email that will have the time and date of your appointment, directions of how to get to the office and all my contact information. I will alsosend you a calendar reminder.
Everything you tell me will always remain completely confidential between the two of us. If there is ever a need for referral (GP, other health professionals etc.), this will always be done with complete transparency and of course with your consent. Even then only relevant information is given.
I am aware that many people come to counselling because they are in crisis. You can often feel ‘full to the brim’, ‘close to the edge’, ‘ready to crack or indeed cracking’ ( and other such similes) at your first session. This is common.
I love the Chinese characters for crisis
I guarantee you will feel better at the end of the session and right from when you arrive
At the first session
I always start with letting you know about confidentiality and I ask a number of questions about your contact details and other information for my records.
This is when we get to know each other and also to get an idea of what has brought you to counselling and what you want to attain while here.
I will gather some assessment information that is important and we may set some goals. Then again you may just need to talk in order to get clear about what you want or to let off some steam.
Some questions I may ask
Why you sought therapy. A particular issue probably led you to seek counselling. It is very common to come to counselling feeling in crisis / overwhelmed. If this is the case there are probably a number of things going on in your life.
Your personal history and current situation. I will ask you some of questions about your life.
Your current symptoms. This will help me get a better idea of what is going on with you, especially in the case of depression, anxiety, workplace issues etc. Once we know what your symptoms are and the severity, it is easier to identify the strategies that will help alleviate them.
Sessions are one hour long. Couples are 1.5 hours.
If self-funding you can pay by internet banking. I will give you the account details. I prefer this to be paid prior to the session. Or you can pay cash on the day. I will email you an invoice.
If coming through your works Employee Assistance Programme - I invoice them. I may have to ask some statistical details. You don’t need to do anything in regards to EAP. You usually get 3-4 sessions.
These are the EAP Providers I work with:
If you are an ACC client (for current or historical sexual abuse / assault) - I invoice ACC and you are not required to pay anything.
At the first session I fill out an ACC 45 form, the same as if you were going to the Physiotherapist. You automatically get 4 sessions and then I write a report and you are usually granted up to 16 sessions before deciding if you want to make a full, claim. I will explain all this more clearly as we go along.
For more information got to https://findsupport.co.nz/search/#/search.
Couples
Once I get an idea of what you want to achieve as a couple I will work with you to learn a very effective way of talking and listening to each other, using difficulties you are experiencing to do so.
The communication tools you will learn in the sessions can be used outside of sessions to strengthen and repair your relationship.
Be sure to go to your first session with realistic expectations. Therapy is not a quick fix for your problem, rather it is a process. With some effort on your part and a strong relationship with your therapist, it can be a successful tool toward resolving problems.
I have done the first level training in Imago relationship training and sue this model when working with couples. For more information go to http://www.relationships.co.nz/.
“I saw Sam off and on for a number of years. The reasons changed but because I trusted her I always cherished having someone in the world I could call upon when I needed a bit of support and clarity. Sam is very caring and down to earth. I have always felt like she has my back. I have learnt a lot and my life is certainly more manageable and enjoyable now. Thank you.”
“Thank you Sam for your help this past year. When I look back to how I was when I first arrived in your office, I can’t believe how different I feel. You were a real rock for me in such a difficult time in my life. I continue to remember things you have said and they help me to keep a positive mindset. I was so nervous about coming to therapy but you were so caring and professional and I felt able to tell you all my thoughts and feelings no matter how weird and confusing. I always felt able to tell you anything and you never seemed surprised or shocked. I really appreciate everything you have done for me.”