Counselling, Psychotherapy, Supervision and Work Mentoring in Leeds, West Yorkshire
Tel: Leeds (0113) 262 5783 email: kristal@kristalclark.com web: www.kristalclark.com

>>A personal introduction
>>My training and experiences
>>What I can offer you - psychotherapy, counselling
>>Couples counselling
>>FAQ
>>Photos: where I practice
>>Who do I see?
>>Fees and times
>>What is counselling/psychotherapy?
>>What to do next?
>>The initial appointment
>>Contact

What to do next

The first step

Here are some reasons why people have come to see me:

low self-esteem
anxiety and depression
work stress
sexual and/or physical abuse including bullying
sexual problems
bereavement
eating disorders
problems with a manager or work colleague
having difficulty in a relationship or marriage
feeling unhappy
unable to deal with conflicts
feeling fed up with everything and everyone
anxious when socializing with others
unable to express yourself clearly
generally not coping with life
feeling under-confident
sexual identity conflicts
problems with family members
sensitivity to criticism
getting angry at little things and with everyone

The second step

The second step is difficult as you may be thinking: 'I know there is a problem but I can manage on my own, I’ll sort it out myself'. If this is your usual way of operating in the world, you have an opportunity to explore this in therapy and to look at the reason why asking for help is so difficult. So if you are thinking this right now, you could benefit from talking with a therapist.

You may believe that you are being weak in considering seeing a therapist when you are used to being independent and self-sufficient. Often we are encouraged to stand on our own two feet and to not ask for help. I believe that many people can benefit from seeing a therapist at some time during their life, but you have to be open to the idea. Seeing a therapist does not mean that you are mentally ill, as some people think. Therapy sessions are a forum for you to explore the way you think, the way you behave and how you express, or not, your emotions.

Deciding to see a therapist is an investment in yourself. It is an opportunity to put things right or to become a more creative individual in your life. You have a choice about this. You can choose to continue as you are or you can choose to talk through things with a therapist.

The first appointment

The first appointment gives you the opportunity to meet me and for us to talk about your difficulties. It is a session for me to find out more about what you are bringing and about you.

You may feel very nervous about coming and may even want to cancel at the last minute. This is a usual reaction and I would like to suggest that you resist the temptation to cancel and you come and talk it through instead, even if you decide not to commit. However, I will respect whatever decision you make as I appreciate and acknowledge that seeing a therapist is a big step to take. Sometimes you have to feel the courage within yourself to attend.
You may have questions about the appointment: What is it going to be like? What shall I talk about? What will the therapist be like? Will the therapist be good enough? It is usual to have all sorts of concerns about attending for the first time.
During the first session, I will ask questions as there is a structure to the sesison that I like to follow. In the following sessions, you decide what you want to bring.

After the first appointment

We will decide whether or not to arrange further appointments. You may decide straightaway that you want to work with me or you may want to think about it over several appointments. The following sessions will give you more of a flavour of how we will be working together. I shall explain the set-up of the sessions, payment terms and we can talk through any questions you have at this stage.

Once you agree to follow through therapy with me, we agree on a regular time to meet. You would continue until a time when you start to think about ending. Ideally, we will discuss your wish to end and decide whether it is the best time for you to end. Sometimes a wish to end can be premature.