THE FIRST MEETING 

At the beginning of the first session, we briefly discuss the framework: what the rules of confidentiality are, when we will meet (usually once a week), how we can communicate between sessions, what the psychological intervention process is like in general, and how and when it ends. I make it clear that if we are successful, we will succeed together: the consultation is joint enterprise where the psychologist and the client both make efforts and are responsible for the result. Then we get to the point: why did you come to see me and why now? 

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HOW ARE WE PROGRESSING?

After a few sessions, we develop a detailed understanding of your problem, its causes and consequences in your everyday life. We can define the goal we are working towards. What comes next depends on your specific issues and contexts. Each client's case is unique. Each of them requires special attention and an appropriate method of intervention. Some clients' self-awareness is well developed. They see their situation, but may not see a way out. Some people find it difficult to reflect on their own issues: they experience the bittersweet thrill of getting to know themselves during our sessions. The length of our time spent together also varies: there are acute situations and pointed questions that can be resolved and answered in a few sessions, while other times achieving lasting change takes more than a year.

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HOW DOES THE WORK END?

Our cooperation can end in several ways. The goal and the most common case is that you and I both feel that we have reached the set goal. We say good bye to each other with the joy of a job well done. Another case is if I feel that I cannot help (anymore) and I tell you so. There could be several reasons for this. We may already have reached our set goal, and you only come to the sessions because the meetings simply provide a positive experience. In such case I may say that I'm a lousy conversationalist, so don't pay just for chatting with me. Let's finish the sessions. You don't need me any more: go and enjoy your new life. It is also possible that, in my opinion, your problem requires the intervention of a psychiatrist or another psychologist. In such cases we I will discuss this with you and will help you find the appropriate alternative to my services. The closure of our work is also in your hand. You close the process if you feel that you got what you wanted, or, conversely, that you didn't get what you expected. 

A FEW WORDS ABOUT ON-LINE SESSIONS

I am often asked if I work online? The short answer is no, I don't. There are a few exceptions: if we cannot meet due to illness or travel, and we already established trust and created a safe interpersonal space for our conversations we may "meet" online occasionally.

The long answer is that for me, personal presence is essential for effective work. My sessions take place in a protected environment, where no one and nothing disturbs attention. Body language, clothing, the way someone walks in the door, slips their phone into their bag, tears up, or slowly picking apart a tissue while talking about a certain topic all help me to understand the problem and the required intervention. The reverse is also true: the full display of my behavior also affects my clients during the sessions, whether I act "on instinct" or on the basis of deliberation, with a purpose. Also, certain tools - such as role playing - can only be used in-person: "Show me what would you do and say if your boss doesn't offer you a seat when you enter his office?" I do not work on-line because as far as I am concerned it impossible to do all this via a screen.