Why phrase this section like this? It has become clear that starting therapy for the first time clients may have certain ideas about what therapy might be. I wanted to address these ideas and misconceptions from the outset, so you can be very clear what therapy is and what I offer. I hope it is helpful!

​

• Therapy is not about expecting another person to fix you. I trust in and support you to find your own answers. Our current medical systems are based on an expert knowing 'more' than you and so offering their expertise to help you. I believe you are your own expert. Therapy is choosing to have a precious, rare space where you can be fully listened to exactly as you are, thus empowered, not disempowered. 

​

• I will not offer advice based on what I think you might need. However, I may offer suggestions only if the process between us allows for that, and only if you have suggested you would like to explore them.

​

• I will also not offer homework or a variety of strategies as a matter of course. I work integratively, if not pluralistically from a grounding in humanistic philosophy. My aim is to explore with you your story, meaning, existence, rather than give out a range of strategies. 

​

• Therapy is not friendship. I will not be sharing my personal information (unless in rare cases it is necessary/useful to the client to hear a certain detail). The space you are paying for is yours. This does not mean that we cannot relate deeply, it just means there is a clear boundary. 

​

• Therapy is not coaching. Sessions are not driven by agreed  goals I directively uphold. Goal setting and having a focus can be an important part of therapy, but it is not essential, and depends on what you need in any one session.