What happens in the first session

The first session will be 50 minutes and it will be a chance for us to get to know each other and for you to decide whether I am the right counsellor for you and we can work together. There is no obligation for you to work with me. I will introduce my written contract which provides more detailed information. Confidentiality is paramount and further details are listed below. For young people I require a short assessment which will be completed during the first session. During this session we would discuss your requirements, which may include short term therapy of 6/8 weeks or longer term therapy.

Confidentiality

Counselling provides a secure and safe place to talk about your concerns and confidentiality is important. However there are limits to confidentiality and in the case of a disclosure concerning:

• Acts of terrorism
• The disclosure of incidents within the remit of the Children's Law
• Money laundering
• Drug trafficking

In these instances I am required to breach confidentiality. I would initially speak to you about my concerns and such disclosures will be passed to the relevant authority with (hopefully) your consent.