What to expect in therapy?

01 Our first session

In our first session, we explore your current concerns and relevant history, identify what you would most like to change, and agree on your priorities and goals. I explain how CBT–REBT works and what we can each bring to the process. We also discuss confidentiality, practical arrangements and cancellation policies, with time for any questions you may have.

02 A goal to guide our work

Your therapeutic goal provides a guiding thread throughout therapy, helping us shape our work around what you most want to achieve. We take time to make it specific and achievable and regularly review your progress towards it. We also discuss the likely length of our work, recognising that this will depend on your needs, goal and progress.

03 Ongoing sessions and practice

Sessions are collaborative, structured and practical. At the start, we agree an agenda for the session, reflect on what has happened since we last met, and review your progress. Together, we explore how your beliefs and responses may be contributing to your difficulties and practise alternative ways of thinking and acting.

Towards the end of each session, we agree on practical activities to try before we meet again. These are tailored to your goals and circumstances, helping you apply what you learn to everyday challenges, relationships and decisions.

04 Growing independence and ending therapy

I offer guidance, explain ideas and ask questions to help you examine beliefs that may be getting in your way. We agree together how I can best support you, including how comfortable you feel with gentle, constructive challenge. Throughout our work, we review the support you need and adapt my role to reflect your growing emotional resilience.

As we approach the end of therapy, we review what you have learned and plan how you can maintain your progress and use the new skills to respond to future challenges with greater confidence and consistency.