What To Expect
Starting Therapy with your...
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PSYCHOLOGY
What to expect in your first session with your Psychologist.
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Starting therapy can be a daunting experience for many people, but it can also be a very rewarding one. During your first session with a psychologist, you can expect to discuss a variety of topics related to your mental health and well-being.
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Before your first appointment
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Before your appointment, you will likely be expected to fill out some paperwork electronically. This will help your psychologist to get a better understanding of your current situation and how they can best support you, and will also save some time.
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During your first appointment
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Once the paperwork is complete, your psychologist will likely ask you to talk about what brings you to therapy. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your psychologist. It is important to be as honest and open as possible during this conversation, as it will help your psychologist to understand your unique needs and tailor their approach to best suit you.
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Your psychologist will also ask you about your past experiences with therapy, if any, and any other treatments you may have tried. This information can help them to understand what has and hasn't worked for you in the past and how they can best support you in the present.
During the first session, your psychologist will also discuss the importance of confidentiality and explain the limits of this confidentiality. They will also explain how they will communicate with your primary care physician or other healthcare providers, if applicable.
It is important to remember that the first session is just the beginning of the therapy process. It takes time and effort to make changes in your life, but with the support and guidance of a skilled psychologist, you can make lasting improvements in your mental health and well-being.
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A good fit between your and your psychologist
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In addition to discussing your current situation and goals for therapy, it is also important to consider the fit between you and your psychologist. A good fit between a therapist and a client is essential for the success of therapy.
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You and your psychologist will work together as a team to achieve your therapy goals. It's important that you feel heard and understood by your psychologist, and that you are able to communicate openly and honestly with them. A good therapist will be willing to listen and make adjustments to their approach to best suit your needs.
It's also important to note that, just like any other relationship, it can take time to build trust and rapport with your psychologist.
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In summary
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Overall, your first session with a psychologist will be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a trained professional. Your psychologist will listen attentively and offer guidance and support as you work towards your goals. It's a safe space to talk about anything that's on your mind and can help you to feel understood and validated. Remember, you are taking a big step towards improving your well-being, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you move forward in your journey.
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COUNSELLING / COACHING
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What to expect in your first session with your Counsellor / Coach.​
Counselling provides clients with the opportunity to work in an interim
space of therapy. This service provides specialised support for education
(high school and tertiary), together with understanding and working with
neurodiversity for both children and adults.​
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Before your first appointment​
Before your appointment, you will receive some questions which will assist
in clarifying the nature of your support needs. As we work from years 13 to
adult, this information will enable us to better prepare for your first
appointment.
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During your first appointment
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For students still at school:
The first part of your appointment will generally be with a parent or
guardian to ensure that you feel comfortable with the process and your
therapist. We will ask questions associated with your family, education
and support history and the type of support you are seeking. Once
comfortable, you will have time to speak with your therapist privately.
Future sessions will be one on one unless a family session has been
arranged. If you have report cards, ability tests or
psychometric/educational testing documentation this should also be
provided at this time.
For Tertiary students and Adults:
This session is all about building relationships and understanding your
needs in therapy. We will discuss how you have reached the point of
seeking support and where you would like to be as a result. The style of
support is individualised for your specific needs and the first session
enables us to future plan and identify some core areas for early
intervention.
During the first session, your counsellor will also discuss the importance of
confidentiality and explain the limits of this confidentiality. They will also
explain how they will communicate with your primary care physician or
other healthcare providers, if applicable.
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A good fit between your and your psychologist
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Counselling works from a holistic approach towards life improvement. The
focus is on building a space of trust and mutuality in how we work
together. For many clients seeking counselling and coaching, they often
come from a place of feeling misunderstood and invalidated.
We offer compassionate and professional experience in working with the
very human nature of mental health and wellbeing.
Our approach is to understand difference and embrace the opportunities
that diversity provides.​
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In summary
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Counselling and coaching offers clients the opportunity to examine
problems in a safe, respectful, collaborative and non-judgemental space. It
is important to understand that we all come to counselling with unique
issues and concerns and BFW offer support that fully engages with your
specific needs.