My first visit

We will call or write to you to arrange your first appointment, giving you a choice of dates and times.

If you can’t make the appointment for any reason, please call us so we can reschedule. The number to contact will be on your appointment letter.

What do I say to the child or young person I’m coming with about the first appointment? 

We find it helps if you can tell them about the appointment and why you think it will help your family to talk with someone about the difficulties you are all experiencing.

It can be hard for younger children to make sense of the place they are going to, and describing it as a place where people can talk about their worries might help. 

If there are issues you feel it will be inappropriate to discuss with the child or young person present in a first appointment, please arrange to meet a therapist initially without them.

Will I be meeting just one therapist?

Usually, yes. However, if you are going to be seen as a family, your appointment may be with more than one therapist.

What will happen at the appointment?

We’ll ask you to come to your first appointment about 10-15 minutes early, so you can fill in some forms we need for our information. 

At the appointment, you will be asked to describe your situation and your concerns, and to say what you have already done to try to resolve them. We will also ask you what outcome you are hoping for in coming to the clinic. This first appointment is an assessment to decide what service would best meet your needs.

We find that people get the most out of this if they say whatever is on their mind. The service is confidential and the therapist is here to help you and the child or young person.

Following this appointment, the therapist will complete an assessment and recommend what type of treatment is best. We will then assign the most appropriate team or service to work with you and the child or young person. This may not include the therapist who you saw at your first appointment.

Can I have an interpreter?

Yes. 

Our interpreters are specially trained to work with people in therapy and you can feel comfortable speaking freely in front of them.

If you or the child or young person have an interpreter you’d prefer to use, please let us know and we will do our best to include them.

We will usually be told if you need an interpreter. But if you are not sure whether one has been organised, please contact the administrator whose details are provided on your letter. You can also contact the administrator if you have any other questions