Not all of our counsellors & psychotherapists take first meetings (psychotherapy & counselling assessments).
So, you are only meeting with veteran & fully qualified therapists.

The counsellor or psychotherapist with whom you are having that assessment, might not be the therapist that you carry on seeing. Psychotherapy assessment is about  the therapist understanding in quite some detail about what is bringing you along. The counsellor then discusses the various treatment model options (CBT, Group or Couples Counselling, Individual Counselling, Individual Psychotherapy, short or longer term work), and constructs with you how that can be put together at lacap.

Usually with us the counsellor that you meet with will be the counsellor that you agree to carry on meeting with.
But the psychotherapist can and should refer you on to another practitioner in the group should that counsellor not have that right skill-set, or should the psychotherapist feel that a therapy is better undertaken by a different member of the group practice. This is the advantage of arranging a consultation with a professional group practice that covers the field of therapy.

Psychotherapy & Counselling: The Initial Consultation at Lacap

The initial consultation (an assessment for psychotherapy or counselling) is an opportunity to discuss with the therapist whether a psychotherapeutic intervention (a psychotherapy treatment or series of counselling meetings) might be appropriate for your difficulty, and to agree with the therapist about the arrangements for further counselling meetings at LACAP . The Initial Consultation takes about 45 minutes to 60 minutes.

Before going to meet your counsellor or psychotherapist

• Think about the problem you are addressing in the therapy in detail. How does this affect you?
• Are there things a therapist might do that would prevent you from working constructively with that counsellor?
• What qualities would you like to see in your therapist? Are there qualities that would help you during counselling?
• Are there any unacceptable forms of psychotherapy treatment? If yes, what are they? Are there any  treatment forms (orientations) you strongly believe in?
• Do you have any special concerns when looking for a counsellor?
• Have you had any previous bad experiences from mental health professionals? Understanding this, the counsellor will be able to grasp more clearly what works for you.
• Have you had any good experiences with therapists? If yes, what are they? How have they affected you? Again, this will help the assessing counsellor understand what treatment to propose.
• Have specific questions before meeting your new counsellor or psychotherapist. Taking counselling for the first time can be a difficult experience and most people find it helpful to have questions ready for the therapist.
   

Counselling & Psychotherapy first meetings - what to ask

• What are his or her professional credentials? Where did they undertake their counselling, psychotherapy or psychoanalytic training? Where has the therapist worked before? What are they doing in the psychotherapy or counselling field now?
• Does this therapist have any experience working with people with your specific issues?
• What treatment methods does this person use (counselling, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis are broad umbrella terms, and are a useful first take. Then each of the three has different 'orientations' which allow a more precise understanding of the counselling or psychotherapy proposed, and the aims and direction of the psychotherapy or counselling work. Take a little time to Google the terms.?
• How do you arrange payment with this counsellor? At lacap each therapist has different arrangements
• What are that counsellor's terms for meetings that are cancelled, missed or for short breaks & holidays? These are also published - see the list of counsellors and psychotherapists.
• When and how often do you meet for counselling or psychotherapy sessions?
• In case of emergencies, how can you reach your therapist?
• If you are seeking help for anything controversial within psychotherapy, such as DID, False Memories, ADHD, or other counselling issues of controversy, ask your prospective counsellor where they stand on those issues. See the footnote below.
• Any other questions you feel would be important to ask your counsellor or psychotherapist to help you feel comfortable seeing him or her.

Counselling & Psychotherapy - points to ponder for yourself after the first meeting.

• Is this a therapist you can come to trust given the time and opportunity?
• Can you talk freely in the session?
• Did you feel this person genuinely cares about you?
• Again, remember, you hire a counsellor, and you can fire a counsellor. This is about working through your difficulties, and it is important you feel comfortable.

Choosing Counselling & Psychotherapy in London: A note of caution:

Lacap does not have counsellors or psychotherapists who have not gone through full psychotherapy training or are not accepted as practitioners by the leading UK umbrella organisations that oversee counselling & psychotherapy practice, or who if still in training are not working with the express permission from their psychotherapy or counselling training organisation that they are competent for meetings. London is awash with therapists, and there are many people practicing things that call themselves 'therapists' but whose treatments are a long way from counselling & psychotherapy models. Such London 'therapists' are without 'licence' & sometimes present their therapy under a religious or spiritual umbrella. It is important to carefully consider your needs before accepting such a psychotherapy, and realise that there are no safeguards, should something go wrong. Therapists' not belonging to UK umbrella bodies for counselling and psychotherapy are not necessarily trained in ethics. Nor do you have any legal recourse if the treatment goes wrong, If you choose a controversial therapy, thoroughly research its pros and cons. If you choose an 'unlicensed' therapist, take extra care in finding one.

Lacap hopes this helps when considering a psychotherapy or counselling, and in choosing a psychotherapist or counsellor or counselling psychologist in London.