What is a therapy session actually like?

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It depends on the context but...we normally sit down together on comfy chairs (or you find a quiet, private place to speak if we are meeting online).  Sessions are about 55 minutes long, and we can take a short break if you need to. 

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In our first session, I'll ask questions to help you to share the reason for coming to see me, and I'll hear a little about what has happened in your life up to now.   From this, we will agree our goals for therapy.   Your parent(s) may join part of this first session if appropriate.

 

We will then aim to meet regularly (normally each week/fortnight).  At the start of each session I'll check in on how you've been, and we cover any important issues that have come up for you.  We then work towards your therapy goals through a combination of talking and collaborative activities. 

 

At the end of the session, I will make sure you are feeling OK, and then we will often set a task for you to try, or something to think about between sessions.  

Will you tell my parents/teachers what we discuss?

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Confidentiality is a really important part of therapy.  It needs to be a space for you to feel you can speak about anything.  I do not tell the adults around you everything that we speak about.  Normally, we agree a short summary that I share with them at the end of a session, in person or via email.

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If there is something that we need to share (for example something that makes me worried that you are at risk of harm), we will discuss together how best I can share this with other adults to help keep you safe. 

 

For over 18s, confidentiality is enacted at adult levels i.e. I do not need to speak with your parents/guardians unless you and I decide this is helpful, or if it is a risk-related matter.  

Do I have to speak about things I don't want to? 

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Your therapy session is under your control! If you don't want to cover a particular topic, that is your decision.  My job is to help to guide you and support you to make sense of what you're experiencing, and give you strategies to help manage things in the way you want to.  

Where else can I get help?

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For information and advice: visit Youngminds www.youngminds.org.uk

 

For urgent support:

In the UK, text 85258 or visit www.giveusashout.org  

In HK, visit www.openup.hk

Call 999 if you or someone else are at immediate risk.

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