Attending an initial psychology appointment can be daunting at first. Like taking any big step, it is common to feel nervous. However once people have met us, and have experienced the warm care we provide, most people start to really look forward to their next psychology appointment!
Prior to your first appointment, we send you information on how to find us, and where to park. You will also likely have filled in some pre-appointment information, which your therapist will have read.
When you arrive at Moving Forward, we have a private waiting room where you can wait until your Clinical Psychologist arrives to greet you.
You will then be invited into the consulting room where your therapist will likely offer you a cup of tea or coffee (we have a good range of herbal teas too!) or a glass of water, and may ask you for any paperwork or referral letters that you have brought with you.
The first appointment is all about coming to an understanding of the difficulties that have led you to seek help, as well as some background information about your life. You may be asked a question along the lines of ‘what’s brought you here today?’
This may seem overwhelming at first, and it’s completely natural to feel nervous during the initial appointment. However please feel assured that your therapist will try to help you to feel comfortable and there will be no pressure to present a coherent story – any gaps can be filled in later on. Your Psychologist will ask you some questions along the way and interact with you and guide the session in such a way that helps the two of you to work together to identify some personal goals, and to develop a therapy plan.
There is no need for you to watch the clock, your therapist will let you know when the session is coming to an end. All sessions are based on a 50-minute hour – it’s often surprising how much is talked about in this time, and how quickly the session progresses.
Recommendations regarding follow-up appointments will be discussed with you, and will take into account your particular needs and budget.
Most often, sessions are weekly or fortnightly for 50 minutes, usually decreasing in frequency as you hopefully start to feel better. Typically, treatment lasts somewhere between 5 and 15 sessions. Some people may prefer shorter or longer-term therapy. Please see our information about typical follow-up appointments if this interests you.