Starting Therapy for Your Young Person: What to Expect from the First Contact

Beginning therapy can feel daunting for both young people and their families. To make things clearer and calmer from the beginning, here’s what you can expect from the two types of first sessions I offer: the Clarity Call and the Initial Consultation.

Option 1: The Clarity Call (50 minutes, online or in-person)

A Clarity Call is a full therapeutic consultation designed to help you or your young person gain clarity about what’s going on and what kind of support might be helpful moving forward.

This session can be attended by the young person alone, or with a parent/caregiver, depending on age and preference.

For young people under 18

A parent or caregiver will join us for the first 5 minutes of the call/in person so that I can:

• Confirm consent for the session

• Clarify confidentiality (including safeguarding responsibilities)

• Explain fees, attendance and cancellation policies

• Check who holds parental responsibility

• Answer any practical or administrative questions

  
  

After that, your young person and I will continue the rest of the session together in a private, supportive space.

For 16–17-year-olds

They may choose to attend the call alone if they prefer greater independence. If so, I will request written parental consent before we meet.

What we cover in a Clarity Call

• What has been happening and what support is being sought

• My therapeutic approach and how I work

• Whether ongoing therapy, EMDR, or another pathway is suitable

• Early goal setting where helpful

• Signposting if another service might be a better fit

  
  

There’s no pressure to continue afterwards — it’s simply a helpful space to understand what’s going on and what the next steps might be.

Option 2: The Initial Consultation for Under-18s (50 minutes, in-person)

This is the usual first step for young people under 18 who are ready to begin ongoing therapy.

The first 5 minutes with the parent/caregiver

We begin with a brief check-in with the parent or caregiver responsible for payment. During this time, I will:

• Outline my attendance and cancellation policies

  • 48 hours’ notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling

  • Advance payment secures the booking

  • No refunds are available for missed sessions without adequate notice

• Clarify confidentiality and safeguarding in clear, age-appropriate terms

• Answer any practical questions before you step out

  
  

Then I work directly with your young person

The rest of the session is focused on your young person. Together, we will:

• Explore how they’re feeling

• Discuss what has been difficult

• Identify what they want support with

• Begin forming a shared understanding of their goals

• Plan the best next steps

• Provide signposting if needed

  
  

This session helps create a safe, grounded foundation for therapy.

Why This Approach Works

• It honours your young person’s privacy while keeping you appropriately informed

• It sets clear expectations around attendance, payment, and boundaries

• It supports your family to feel confident and reassured

• It provides a clear, structured starting point for therapeutic work

• It meets ethical, legal, and safeguarding best practice for under-18s

  
  

Not Sure Which One to Book?

If you’re deciding between a Clarity Call or an Initial Consultation, or want to explore what might be best for your young person, feel free to get in touch. I’m here to support you and your family every step of the way.