The first steps towards working with a counselor and or life coach
The first step is to schedule a free introductory session. In that session, together we can get an accurate idea of how well we can work together and what our next steps should be from there. Face to face, online with accountability or contact by phone or email.
The main thing is to establish if the practitioner is the right fit for you.
Every client is invited to sign a mutual commitment contract with their counselor or life coach. A commitment contract ensures that both parties are aware of their obligations, rights and responsibilities in the counselling / coaching process. Time commitments vary with every different individual need and is discussed and agreed to prior to signing the contract of course these commitments can be renegotiated to suit the practitioner client relationship. All contracts are tailored to fit the individual goals and plans of the client.
A counselling, coaching or mentoring session takes about 60-90 minutes on average, but we ask that you allow for 2 hours at ,pst. We do not believe in “45 minute or 1 hour time boxes” and we will not stop the session because the time is up if it is close to getting the outcome you are seeking. If we are in the middle of something important, we will take the time to complete the session, even if that extends the time. It is important that you get what you came for. If we do not complete in an extended session then we will book another session soon after so completion and satisfaction is inevitable.
If the Practitioner / therapist is not connecting with you and you don’t feel right then move on and look for someone else.
If they don’t and they are not on your side then this is most likely not the therapist for you. Discuss this problem with your therapist and carefully and take note of his or her reaction. If he or she is not optimistic for a solution then move on quickly. If the relationship between you both is not good then this usually results in no change or progress.
If there is no alignment on goals and outcomes then there will be no lasting success. Find someone who believes in you and wants what is best for you and that you understand is true to you or find someone else who does.
If you don’t feel any momentum towards growth and improvement then try someone or something else. If you are moving forward then keep on with it.
As a private practitioner I means test the client and discuss the fees in advance to suit the level and commitment of the service. My charges can range anywhere between $75-$150 a session depending upon the research and follow up and level of service given. If you are struggling financially, we can discuss options that may work for you.
We offer our counselling, coaching and mentoring services via face to face, email, telephone or online. We work out what works best for each client and adjust accordingly and sometimes the service is a combination of all of the above.
This depends on the nature and complexity of your circumstances. If you start to notice positive changes after one or two sessions you will want to continue. Some people only require short-term counselling (4-8 sessions) in order to achieve long lasting and sustainable changes in their lives. For people with more complex, long-standing issues, longer-term therapy may be required. It is up to the individual and their particular need.
We work together to achieve your outcomes and regularly review how things are going, so that you get the most benefit out of your counselling, coaching or mentoring sessions. The sessions usually occur on a weekly or fortnightly basis to begin with, and then taper out over time. It all depends on what criteria of objectives are discussed and what outcomes are expected on both sides. With tailor made therapy the itinerary and frequency is mutually agreed upon.