We think we listen, but very rarely do we listen with real understanding, true empathy. Yet listening, of this very special kind, is one of the most potent forces for change that i know.
carl rogers
A Way of Being, Houghton Mifflin, 1980: 116
What to expect in the first session
In our first therapy session, I will typically go through the Counselling Information sheet, which will be sent to you via the email address that you provided, upon confirmation of the appointment. This will include discussing the confidentiality agreement, and it will give us a chance to discuss any questions you may have. I will then invite you to explore what has brought you to the therapy sessions and what you would like to work on.
I appreciate the first session can be daunting, especially if you have not had therapy before, so I find the first appointment is a good time for you to get a sense of the therapy that I offer and answer any questions you may have. We will discuss a following appointment booking at the end of the appointment if we feel we would be a good fit therapeutically.
What to expect with remote sessions
If we are working online this will be via Zoom. Before the appointment, you may need to download the Zoom app if you have not used it before. I will send the Zoom link for the appointment, on the morning of the appointment, to the email address that you provide.
Although the therapy sessions are remote, it is important that we keep the practices that we would have if we were face to face, such as a safe environment where you feel comfortable. One of the ways I encourage this is by asking that you are in a confidential space where you are the only person present for the therapy session and cannot be overhead by any other individual. I do encourage you to wear headphones if you can.
I predominantly offer Person Centred Therapy which is at the core of my therapeutic modality. It is a therapy that views the client as being the centre of the work that we do. Carl Rogers, who pioneered Person Centred Therapy, quoted “it is the client who knows what hurts, what directions to go, what problems are crucial, what experiences have been deeply buried” (Carl Rogers, On Becoming a Person: A therapist’s view of psychotherapy).
Furthermore Person Centred Therapy is a non-directive therapy, which means I will work alongside you while you explore your current or past experiences and feelings without judgment or interpretation. I will listen as you come to terms with these experiences and offer you a safe, confidential and caring space. The Person Centred modality is based on three core conditions that is offered by the therapist, Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard and Congruence. The idea behind this, was that if an individual can be offered these three core conditions, it allows them a space to accept themselves fully. This allows for a safe, confidential space which allows for greater exploration and understanding of the self and self beliefs, allowing for growth to begin.
Although Person Centred Therapy is my main modality, I also draw on other types of therapy that I have undergone training in, such as Motivational Interviewing and CfD. This allows me to tailor the approach that I offer to each individual client.
My fees are as follows:
Individual remote therapy appointment offered via Zoom – £60 per 50-minute session.
Individual face to face therapy appointment – £70 per 50-minute session.
The cancellation policy for the therapy is that 48 hours’ notice is needed when the appointment needs to be cancelled or re-arranged. If the appointment is cancelled after the 48 hours, then the full sessions fee will be due. If the appointment needs to be cancelled of re-arranged by Victoria (for example due to being unwell), then you will not be charged for this.