BEGINNING COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
How counselling works
What to expect before you begin, in your first session and as we work together.
In person in Co. Wexford · Online across Ireland
GETTING IN TOUCH
Before the first session.
You can contact me by phone, email or the short form. You do not need to send personal history or sensitive details. I will reply to arrange a brief conversation or appointment and answer practical questions.
A FIRST CONVERSATION
The first session.
The first session is a chance to talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope may change and anything that would help you feel more at ease. I will explain how I work, confidentiality and its limits, fees, cancellations and how we will review the work.
The first session also helps us decide whether I’m the right therapist for you and whether counselling meets your needs.
WORKING TOGETHER
Ongoing sessions.
We’ll agree how often to meet and what to work on. Sessions may focus on current difficulties, recurring patterns, relationships or practical changes.
Confidentiality,
with clear boundaries.
What you share is treated as confidential. Confidentiality is not absolute: there are limited legal and ethical circumstances in which information may need to be shared, including serious risk or safeguarding concerns. These limits will be explained clearly as part of our agreement.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Reviewing the work,
together.
It is useful to review how counselling feels, what is helping and whether the focus needs to change. You can ask questions, raise concerns or decide to finish. If you decide to finish, we can discuss how to bring the work to a close.
In person or online.
We can discuss the format that is right for you.
In person
In-person sessions take place by appointment in County Wexford. Practical arrival information is shared directly before your first visit.
Explore in-person counselling
Online
Online sessions are available across Ireland where appropriate. We can discuss privacy, technology and safety arrangements before online work begins.
Explore online counsellingPRACTICAL FAQ
Questions about counselling
What do I need to say when I first get in touch?
You do not need to send personal history or sensitive details. A short message is enough to begin a conversation.
What happens in the first session?
We will talk about what has brought you to counselling, what you hope may change and what would help you feel at ease. I will explain how I work, confidentiality and its limits, fees and practical arrangements. It is also a chance to consider whether the fit feels right.
How often would we meet?
We agree the frequency of sessions together, depending on your needs and practical arrangements. We will review the work as it develops.
Can I ask questions or decide to finish?
Yes. You can ask questions, raise concerns or decide to finish. If you decide to finish, we can discuss how to bring the work to a close.