Starting therapy can feel uncertain, especially if this is your first experience. This page is here to help you understand what therapy with me usually looks like in practice.

Your First Session (Initial Consultation)

In our first session, we'll take time to understand what brings you to therapy, what you're hoping to achieve, and whether we're a good fit to work together.

We'll discuss:

• What's been happening for you

• What you'd like to change or work on

• Any concerns or questions you have about therapy

• How we might work together

• Practical details (frequency, duration, fees)

There's no obligation after the first session — it's an opportunity for us both to see if we're the right match.

How to Book Your First Session

1. Contact me:

• Email: info@irynatherapy.co.uk

• Website contact form: www.irynatherapy.co.uk/contact

• Phone: [Your number] (leave confidential voicemail)

2. I'll respond within 24-48 hours to arrange a free 20-minute phone or video consultation.

3. Free consultation: We'll have a brief conversation about what you're looking for and whether I can help.

4. If we're a good fit: We'll schedule your first session and I'll send you:

• Therapy Agreement to review

• Booking confirmation via Zanda

• Crisis Resources sheet

• Privacy Notice

Ongoing Sessions

Duration: 50 minutes per session

Frequency: Usually weekly, though this is flexible based on your needs

Format: Online via secure video platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

Language: Sessions available in English, Ukrainian, or Russian

What Happens in Sessions

Therapy is collaborative. You're in control of what we discuss and at what pace we work.

Some sessions might be more structured (especially if we're using CBT techniques), while others might be more free-flowing and exploratory.

You don't have to share anything you're not ready to discuss. Therapy moves at your pace.

Confidentiality

Everything discussed in our sessions is confidential, except in rare circumstances where there's a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, or where required by law.

I follow NCPS and BACP ethical guidelines and data protection requirements.

Confidentiality may be broken only when:

• There is risk of serious harm to you or others

• There are safeguarding concerns (child protection, vulnerable adults)

• I am legally required to disclose (court order, terrorism, serious crime)

Where safe to do so, I will discuss this with you first.

How Long Does Therapy Take?

This varies greatly depending on what you're working on and your goals.

Some clients find 6-12 sessions helpful for specific issues, while others benefit from longer-term support for deeper patterns or complex trauma.

We'll regularly review progress together and adjust as needed.

Between Sessions

Depending on the approach we're using, I might suggest reflective exercises or practices between sessions.

These are always optional and designed to support your progress.

Risk Management & Safety

I am experienced in assessing and managing risk related to self-harm, suicide, and safeguarding concerns.

If you're in crisis, we'll work together to ensure you have appropriate support, which may include:

• Crisis services (Samaritans, NHS Crisis Line)

• Your GP

• Emergency services (if immediate risk)

• Other appropriate professionals

Therapy is not an emergency service. For crisis support outside session times, please see the Crisis Resources sheet provided.

If You're Unsure

If you're unsure whether therapy is right for you, or have questions about the process, you're welcome to bring those questions into the free consultation or first session.

There's no pressure to commit — we can explore together whether this is the right time and approach for you.

Ready to begin?