Seeking counselling takes courage, a willingness to be honest, admit you are struggling, and risk change.
It is often difficult to take that first step and seek professional help, whether it be for the first time, or if you have had counselling in the past. There are often concerns regarding what to expect, or whether it will be “a good fit”.
What you can expect in the first session:
The first session with Susan can be viewed as a consultation. She will want to know what your current concerns are and how you are coping. There may be a “filling in” of some of the historical background leading to the present issues. Time is left at the end for Susan to give feedback, answer questions, and to discuss “where to go from here”. Sessions are typically one hour.
Counselling is a collaborative process:
Your input is important. Susan will want to know what your hopes for counselling are, and what is realistic in terms of scheduling. In turn, Susan may offer you options in terms of how to proceed based on her experience and training. Together you will come up with a plan which can be reassessed and adjusted as necessary.
Humanistic Approach:
A humanistic approach views counselling as a relationship between two human beings. What this means is that Susan will not be analyzing you, but will attempt to fully understand your experience and/or distress before trying to initiate change. Many times solutions or healing naturally occurs when things are explored, fully felt, and awareness is enhanced. This approach also means, that although Susan will not disclose a lot about her personal life, she will not hide behind a mask of professionalism but will be honest and real about what she thinks and feels.
Doing what works:
Not all problems or people respond to one approach. Postgraduate training and experience in Gestalt Therapy, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Mindfulness allows Susan to be selective in terms of what may help.
Types of Problems:
Some of the more common types of difficulties Susan has experience dealing with are:
Personal Growth:
It is not necessary to have a particular problem in order to see Susan. Susan also sees individuals and counsellors who wish to increase their level of awareness and live a fuller, less restricted life.