What to expect

We'll agree on a time for an assessment consultation, which will be an opportunity to talk about the reason for seeking therapy in detail. I will usually ask you (and your partner) a series of questions about the presenting problem, details of personal/family/sexual/medical/psychological history, and your goals from therapy.

Depending on this discussion, I would like to give you a treatment formulation and the possible areas on which to focus your therapeutic work, given the history provided. Then, our agreement, including your availability and financial budget, would work based on a time-limited and goal-focused framework or a longer-term and open-ended psychotherapy agreement.

Time-limited therapy/psychosexual therapy usually involves a relatively clear treatment pathway where specific homework assignments are instructed during the sessions; the aim is to bring the desired outcome set at the point of assessment. There is an opportunity to identify psychological elements relevant to the sexual presentation, but that is usually limited to just identification rather than working through them in the absence of time. A review is generally conducted by session six to assess therapy progress.

Longer-term psychotherapy/psychosexual therapy usually has the same assessment format as the time-limited version, with (or without) a goal to be achieved. The psychological concepts may be identified, and there is an opportunity to explore them in depth and consider the presentation beyond the psychosexual framework. A variety of therapeutic approaches may be used, and I would offer to explain which theories I would use and why – should you be interested.

My approach is holistic. I work with the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual framework and will refer you to other appropriate specialists if necessary. I will facilitate a therapeutic approach to help you achieve your original goal and promote self-care at all levels.

My therapist style is direct, which might be challenging, but my priority is always your well-being. I work relationally, and I would appreciate it if you could clarify any aspects of my work directly with me.