> When to seek help?
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     > What counsellors do
     > Finding a therapist
     > Getting Started
     > Confidentiality
     > Scheduling
     > Fees


    Therapy works by…
    giving yourself a
    timeline to change,
    making yourself
    accountable, finding
    reasons to hope, and
    making plans for a
    better future.

GETTING STARTED

• Therapyworks has a confidential voice mail system. Please leave detailed
   information for a return call.
• Prior to your first counselling session you will be asked to complete an intro sheet.
  This will give your counsellor a head start in getting to know you.
• Be as specific as possible about what you need and want to achieve through
  your counselling.

What can I expect during a first contact?
Contact your counsellor to ask some basic questions about their academic credentials, professional membership, years of experience in dealing with your particular issue, fees and availability. The counsellor will typically keep telephone consultations quite brief. An appointment may be booked at this time.

What happens in a first session?
Your counsellor may invite you to arrive early in order to complete an 'Intro sheet'. Your first session will involve meeting your counsellor, describing your reasons for seeking counselling and briefly discussing what you hope to happen as a result of your counselling.

What is it like to be in therapy?
Like so many things in life, what you put into your therapy will largely determine what you get out of it. It requires hard work to push through some of the difficult emotions. At the same time, there is great relief in making progress towards a better future… there is hope! It can be difficult to give up old ways of thinking and coping. At times it may feel you are not the same person you used to be, and not quite sure of the new person you are learning to be… that is what transition and healing are like. It can also be exhilarating to discover new pathways … that is the joy of finding freedom and new life.

How will I know if the therapy is working?
As you begin therapy, you should establish clear goals with your therapist. For example, you may be trying to overcome feelings of hopelessness associated with depression or working through the grief of an ended relationship. Remember, certain goals require more time to reach than others. You and your therapist should decide at what point you might expect to begin to see progress.

Are there risks involved in counselling?
People often feel a wide variety of emotions during counselling. It is difficult discussing painful and troubling experiences. At a time like this extra self-care is required - set aside time for personal reflection, renewal or stress-relief (such as exercise, journaling, hobbies). Clients often schedule 'unwind' time following counselling sessions to reflect and recharge before heading home or back to work. The personal challenges raised in counselling can cause one to want to 'quit' or short circuit the deeper work. With patience with yourself and the accountability of your counsellor you can make it to your goal.