The purpose of the first session is to meet each other and decide whether we can work together. Attending the first session does not mean you have to commit to therapeutic a contract with me. I normally ask a number of questions to gain a good understanding of what brings you to therapy and identify your needs. Information about confidentiality, cancellations, holidays, fees will be given. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask any questions related to therapy.

The number of sessions that will be needed depends on your particular circumstances and goals. There is no limit of sessions you may need and generally you can continue as long as it feels useful. Based on your therapeutic needs and goals, we will discuss an initial therapeutic plan which will be regularly reviewed. The reviews will help us to keep track of your progress and make decisions about the length of your therapy.

The sessions are held weekly at the agreed day, time and location. Weekly sessions are recommended unless we agree to meet more often as appropriate. On some occasions longer-session (1 hour 30minutes) fortnightly may be considered if this is appropriate for the client’s needs.

There is growing evidence that online therapy is as effective as face-to-face therapy. Dr Maria Pournara strives to ensure that all the necessary elements of human contact are taken into consideration through offering videocall session in real time.

Everything you talk about in therapy is confidential. There are some exceptions in confidentiality. If Dr Maria Pournara feels that you are at risks of hurting yourself or someone else, she might contact other professionals might be involved in your care for example your GP or your psychiatrist or a next of kin. Dr Maria Pournara will always discuss this with you first. During your initial session confidentiality will be discussed in the therapeutic agreement to ensure that you give informed consent.

Dr Maria Pournara does not offer a crisis service. If you are in a crisis, please use the following resources:

• Call 116 123 to talk to Samaritans (https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ ) or email: [email protected] for a reply within 24 hours
• Text “SHOUT” to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line.

These services offer confidential advice. You can talk about anything that’s
troubling you, no matter how difficult.

• In addition, you can use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111. You may be able to speak to a nurse, or mental health nurse, over the phone.
• Call your private GP as s/he can advise you about helpful treatments and also help you access mental health services.
• The mental health charity Mind (https://www.mind.org.uk/) has information on ways to help yourself cope during a crisis. This includes calming exercises and a tool to get you through the next few hours.
• Finally, if you do not feel you can keep yourself safe call: 999 or go to A&E immediately. A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a physical one. You will not be wasting anyone’s time.

Ending is an important part of the therapy process. Should you feel that you have achieved what you wanted and would like to end, we can agree on an ending date.

Dr Maria Pournara’s cancellation policy is 48 hours. If you provide 48 cancellation notice you will not be charged. Any cancellations less than 48 hours will be charged in full.

Payment is expected before or at the end of each session. You can pay either by cash or by online transfer.

If a third party is paying for you Dr Maria Pournara will liaise with them directly.

If an insurance or a third party fails to pay, I will ask you to do so.

Payment is expected before or at the end of each session. You can pay either by cash or by online transfer.

If a third party is paying for you Dr Maria Pournara will liaise with them directly.

If an insurance or a third party fails to pay, I will ask you to do so.