What happens in the first therapy session?
Our first session is about getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brings you to therapy and what you're hoping to gain. We'll talk about your current situation and a bit about your background. It's also a chance for you to ask questions and get a feel for how I work. There's no pressure to share more than feels comfortable, therapy is a process, and we'll take things at your pace.
How long does therapy typically last?
There's no set timeframe for therapy, it depends entirely on you and what you're working through. Some people find 6-8 sessions helpful for a specific issue, while others benefit from longer-term work that allows for deeper exploration. We'll regularly check in about how you're finding therapy and whether it's meeting your needs, and you can decide to pause or end our work together at any point.
How will I know if therapy is working?
Change through therapy tends to be gradual rather than dramatic. You might notice you're responding differently to situations that used to trouble you, or that relationships feel easier. Sometimes others notice changes before you do. Many clients report feeling more connected to themselves, more accepting of their emotions, or better able to make choices that align with their values. We'll check in regularly about how you're experiencing our work together.
Is what I share in therapy confidential?
What you share in our sessions stays between us, with a few important exceptions. If I believe there's a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, I may need to share information with relevant professionals. I also discuss my work in supervision (a standard practice for all therapists), but this is done without revealing your identity. I'll always try to talk with you first if confidentiality needs to be broken for any reason.
What's the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
The terms are often used interchangeably, and there's significant overlap. Generally, counselling might focus more on specific current issues and coping strategies, while psychotherapy might involve deeper exploration of patterns and past experiences. As an integrative therapist, I draw from both approaches depending on what you need. What matters most isn't the label but finding an approach that works for you.
How often will we meet?
Most clients find weekly sessions most helpful, especially at the beginning. This provides enough consistency to build momentum while giving you space to process between sessions. As therapy progresses, we might decide together to space sessions out more. I understand that life gets busy, and I'm flexible about scheduling, we can discuss what frequency works best for your circumstances and goals.
For more information about Integrative Therapy in Leeds and Online, please get in touch.
Concessions
Reduced rate sessions are available for students and refugees - please contact me for details.
Payment
Payment is due 24 hours before each session. I accept bank transfers and can provide payment details after our initial consultation.
Cancellation Policy
I require 24 hours' notice for cancellations. Sessions cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged at the full rate. I understand that emergencies happen, and I'm happy to discuss exceptional circumstances.
If you have any questions about fees, payment, or scheduling, please don't hesitate to ask during our initial consultation.
© Frances Bell Therapy powered by WebHealer