Starting therapy can be a big step, particularly if you’ve not experienced it before. You might have all sorts of feelings about seeking support for yourself. You might not know what to expect, or have a fantasy about what will happen; or maybe you have specific hopes or expectations. Do you have questions about how it works? I would encourage you to email to have a phone conversation before we arrange an initial session, to discuss what you’re experiencing, and what you’re looking for in coming to see me.
If we both decide to proceed, our first session together is an opportunity for us to get an overview of what you would like to work on in therapy, for you to ask me further questions, and a chance for us both to decide whether we might work together. I charge for this first session as I believe this is where the work begins if we continue, and that there’s value in this exploration if we don’t.
In the first session we will talk about practical matters such as the time and frequency of sessions. I work weekly – at least initially – to help us establish a working relationship.
Please note: I don’t specify a timeframe to work within, as I don’t think this is realistic – we don’t know what will happen in the process. We review our work on a regular basis, to ensure it’s of benefit to you.
Fees
My fee is £90 for a fifty-minute session (the initial session lasts an hour). I offer some of my time to reduced-fee work with those on lower incomes. I accept payment by BACS payment before the session; some people like to pay for blocks of sessions in advance. If you require a receipt, please ask me.
Cancellation and missed session policy
If you are unable to attend a session please let me know as soon as possible. I require at least 72 hours (3 days) notice, based on the start time of our session:
For a Monday session: Friday
For a Tuesday session: Saturday
For a Wednesday session: Sunday
For a Thursday session: Monday
For a Friday session: Tuesday
I will give you as much advance notice as possible if I need to cancel any of our appointments, or if I’m going to have a break or holiday, and ask that you do the same.
Confidentiality
All contact you have with me will be confidential. There are some very specific and rare circumstances in which this would not apply, and I will discuss these with you at our first meeting.
If you have any other questions about the practicalities of working with me, please email to arrange a phone conversation: rob@robfrancis.net / 07718 988733.