A typical therapist session
We can meet in my practice or remotely.
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Each session
At the beginning of each session, I like to remind you that this is a gift which you are offering yourself. It is important for you to be comfortably installed, whether we are in the same room or meeting remotely by video. After having clearly defined the objectives, I help you enter into the topic. I then work with you to go into the topic more deeply using specific professional listening methods. I attach particular importance to helping you feel at ease, in a benevolent and trusting space, as you will benefit most from a session if you feel comfortable, without any fear or shame. At the end, we conclude together on what has been most important during the session and where it would be most helpful for you to come back to something again. I always check with you how you feel at the end of a session before you leave.
I sometimes use a particular method or technique to help you find the words to express things as precisely as possible: images, a list of emotions, a short questionnaire to be used during the session or as preparation, etc. The quality of your investment individually or as a couple makes a very big difference to the benefits you can draw from the sessions and I strongly recommend that you engage fully in the experience which you are offering yourself.
Timing and frequency
For couples, I strongly advise sessions every 2 weeks to start with. This frequency can be modified over time, but is rarely more intense. The decision on how often to meet is determined jointly, once we have started working together.
For individual sessions, the frequency depends very much on each particular situation and on your own request. Unlike with couples, we could meet every week to begin with if you find this helpful. In my experience, determining the frequency of the sessions generally happens very naturally, depending on your needs, availability and how quickly you want to progress.
In summary, I have experienced a wide range of situations: people with whom I have had just one session to help them confirm whether a decision they are about to take is the right one; a series of 3 sessions with people to perform a general review of their personal situation and relationships, with a final session to draw conclusions; 5, 10 or more sessions to address a more complex topic. In some cases, people with whom I have worked previously return from time to time to address specific topics.
As you will have understood, the frequency of sessions is a decision we take together. It evolves over time as needs change. Whatever the number of sessions, it is very important to draw conclusions together on where you are before stopping.