Initial Contact and what to expect

 

Please check first of all that your child would like to take part in a talking therapy. Now may not be the right time, or a different approach may be more beneficial for them.

 

I'd be grateful if any requests for therapeutic support could be made by email.

 

I will ask for a brief overview, to establish if I am the correct person to support your child. 

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I often have a waiting list, and so your name and the name of your child can go onto the waiting list, if that is what you would prefer. I would also recommend that you keep trying to find someone with availability, so that your child receives the support they deserve as soon as possible.

 

I will not be able to keep you updated as to when I expect to have availability, and will email to advise you when I have availability to offer an appointment slot.

 

This may involve many months of waiting.

 

Our first step will be to have a chat on the phone, which is the beginning of the assessment process. This will take about 15 – 20 minutes. You can let me know what has brought you to me, and what your child would like from this process.

 

The first few sessions will be a continuation of the assessment process, which varies from young person to young person, but can include establishing their sensory profile, sharing special interests and areas of expertise, talking about concerns that they would like support with, hearing about their protective factors, and then collaboratively deciding upon the approach that will work best.

 

The assessment process is also one opportunity to establish whether the therapeutic relationship is suitable for the therapist, for the young person, and their parent. Please raise any concerns at this point, as well as at any other time, as not all mental health professionals are the right person for all children.

 

After therapeutic work has begun, review sessions will take place as needed. These will be in the therapy hour reserved for your child, and can include the child and parent(s), or just the child.

 

After therapeutic work has begun, feedback sessions will take place as needed. These will be in the therapy hour reserved for your child, and can include the child and parent(s), or just the parent(s).

 

Regarding communication, a parent can email to discuss scheduling of their appointment. I will try to respond before our next appointment slot, but this will not always be possible, due to the nature of my work.

 

Any discussions about the therapy itself, including any updates, can take place during the appointment slot reserved for the young person. I may email you information to consider between sessions.

 

Acknowledgement

By booking in with me, you are agreeing that you accept all the above terms and conditions. You will have access to this information prior to booking in, and it will be confirmed via email (or in person) that you have read and understood the terms.