Tea For Thoughts
Worry Less, Live More
Tips for Clients:
Making the Most Out of Therapy
Congratulations! You have taken the first step towards healing and empowering yourself to live a more fulfilling life.
Here are some useful tips to help you get started and make the most out of your counselling sessions with us.
48 Hours Before the Session
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You would have received a WhatsApp message from us about your session appointment. If you need to change the date/time or cancel the session, please inform us via WhatsApp (+65)81111347.
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To confirm your appointment, a deposit (50% of session fee) is payable 48 hours before the session. Please refer to your invoice for more payment details and WhatsApp a screenshot of your completed transaction to us at (+65)81111347.
Before the Session
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If you are having in-person sessions, plan to arrive 10 minutes earlier so that you have enough time to complete Covid-19 safety checks and settle down.
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As counselling sessions can be 60 to 90 minutes long, make sure that you have enough rest and have taken a light meal or snack before the session starts.
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The remainder of the session fee is payable before the session starts. Take a screenshot of your completed payment transaction and send it to us via WhatsApp (+65)81111347 before the start of your session.
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If you are doing online counselling, find a location where it is ideally quiet with good lighting, has stable internet connection, you'll feel safe and comfortable to talk, and won't be distracted during the session. Many clients also prepare a pen and paper to jot down notes, a cup of water/tea and some tissues. Log on to the Zoom link 5 to 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
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If it is the first time you are using Zoom or other online meeting software, make sure you know how to use it before your counselling session starts.
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To minimise distractions and gain more out of your session, switch your mobile phone to silent mode and put it aside.
During the Session
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In your first session, your counsellor will explain how counselling works, including the limits of confidentiality. Your counsellor will also want to get to know you better as a person, such as your previous experiences of counselling (if any), the reason(s) you decided to seek counselling now, your family background, and how you hope counselling may be of help to you.
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Talk about what you hope to achieve out of your counselling session. Ask questions. Contrary to popular belief, counsellors do not provide advice or solutions. Instead, a counsellor journeys with you and guides you to find answers for yourself. Asking questions helps your counsellor to understand the kind of solutions you require. So the clearer you are about what you hope to achieve during the counselling session and the more questions you ask, the more you'll benefit.
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Be patient with yourself. Counselling is a process that requires time, effort and resources to work. Clients who come looking for a "quick fix" or miracle cure often leave counselling prematurely, before any real or lasting change can happen. Depending on their needs and circumstances, many of our clients take 3 to 6 months to reach their goals and no longer need therapy.
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Keep an open mind and be honest about your thoughts and emotions. Sometimes talking about your feelings, past experiences or relationships can be uncomfortable or overwhelming. Crying during therapy is more common than many people think. Our counsellors are trained and certified professionals and we offer a confidential and safe space for clients to process their issues. Being able to discuss uncomfortable feelings or thoughts with your counsellor can help you to move forward.
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Jot down your insights. Some clients find it helpful to keep a notebook of their new perspectives gained or the topics discussed during therapy, so that they can further reflect on them during the time between sessions.
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Don't expect your counsellor to read your mind or know exactly how you feel (though I wish we could!). A good counsellor-client relationship requires 2-way communication and research has shown that a good working counsellor-client relationship contributes to successful therapy outcomes. We will also seek regular feedback from you so that we can customised your treatment plan based on your personal needs, situation, and goals.
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At the end of the session, you may wish to ask your counsellor if there is anything specific that they would like you to think about or prepare for the next session.
After the Session
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Practise what you have learnt and try your best to do your counselling homework. Your counsellor would likely want to discuss your homework and any progress or challenges that you have faced in doing the homework.
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Make a note of your insights and difficulties between sessions. Discuss them with your counsellor in the next session.
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If you are thinking of ending therapy, let us know in advance so that we can address your concerns, review your progress, make adjustments to your treatment plan, or refer you to another professional, etc.
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In conclusion, it can be useful to be prepared and think about what you want to talk about or achieve for each counselling session. This can help you to reduce feelings of nervousness or uncertainty in the time leading up to the counselling session.
Online counselling sessions should be held at a safe, private and comfortable space with minimal distractions and technical interruptions. This helps you to remain focused and get the most out of your online counselling sessions.
We look forward to working together towards achieving your goals! See you soon!
About the Counsellor
Janet Gay
(+65) 811 11 347