The Initial Consult 

How do I arrange an initial consult?

You can schedule an initial consult by emailing contact@jessicalevetanpsychology.com.au. Before we meet in person, the reception staff will give you a call to briefly discuss your reasons for coming to see me, answer any questions you may have, and clarify the services I offer. This call will last for approximately 10 minutes. 

What can I expect from the first session? 

In the initial session, we will discuss your expectations about the therapy process, identify your goals and a potential timeline for treatment, and explore familial and developmental experiences that might provide a broader context to current difficulties.

We will also discuss my policies for working with you, the limits of confidentiality and the ethical code by which I conduct my work. 

In the case of young children and adolescents, we will arrange an initial parent-only consult to give you the opportunity to share your concerns and discuss the role you might play in the therapy. Parents are given the opportunity to communicate with me as needed throughout the counselling process.

How often should I attend therapy?

I encourage my clients to commit to weekly sessions, at least initially. This ensures continuity, reinforces and consolidates learning, and sustains the therapeutic relationship, which is integral to facilitating growth and open communication. For young children, we may space out sessions as symptoms decrease and your child begins to feel more confident.

How many sessions do I need to attend? 

The length of therapy will differ for each client. If you or your child has been dealing with a range of difficulties for an extended period, they may take longer to resolve.

We will spend the first few sessions getting to know one another, discussing presenting concerns, and exploring your personal history. This is to ensure that I have an accurate assessment of the issues at hand prior to commencing treatment. As sessions continue, we might examine weekly concerns, as well as relational, behavioural or thought patterns affecting well-being.

We will assess and evaluate progress periodically. If you are feeling heard and respected in therapy, have gained further insight into your difficulties, and are starting to see some improvements, then we are on the right track!