Change is possible, even when things feel stuck | Support for when relationships feel difficult | Helping relationships find their way again
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a systemic approach to therapy?
A systemic approach looks beyond individual problems to understand the relationships, contexts, and patterns that shape people's experiences. It focuses on collaboration, curiosity, and identifying possibilities for change.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is an opportunity to understand your concerns, learn about the relationships involved, discuss your goals, and consider how therapy may be helpful. It is also a chance for us to get to know one another and to explore whether my approach feels like a good fit for your needs and hopes for therapy.
Research consistently shows that the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. For that reason, I encourage you to use the first session to get a sense of how I work, ask any questions you may have, and consider whether you feel comfortable working with me.
Do I need to attend therapy with my partner or family members?
Not necessarily. While therapy often involves multiple family members or partners, it can also be helpful for one person to attend and explore relationship patterns and concerns.
This doesn’t preclude others joining at a later stage if appropriate.
Are sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is taken seriously, and any limits to confidentiality will be discussed with you at the beginning of therapy.
When working with couples and families, there are times when I may meet with individuals separately. Occasionally, information may emerge that I believe could be important for a partner or other family members to understand in order to support the therapeutic process. If this happens, I will discuss this with you openly and explore how I might support you to share that information yourself.
At the same time, I respect that what you disclose in an individual conversation remains your choice to share. My role is not to disclose information on your behalf without your knowledge or consent. Instead, I aim to work collaboratively with everyone involved, balancing confidentiality, trust, and the needs of the therapeutic process.
How many sessions will we need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your goals, circumstances, and the complexity of the issues you are facing. Some people find a small number of sessions helpful, while others choose to engage in therapy over a longer period.
In my experience, most people can get a sense within the first four sessions whether this way of working is likely to be helpful for them. This does not mean that the concerns that brought you to therapy will necessarily be resolved within that timeframe, but it often provides enough opportunity to identify patterns, develop a shared understanding of the difficulties, and begin exploring alternative ways of relating.
For many couples and families, around 10–12 sessions is sufficient to establish more helpful patterns of communication and interaction and to create momentum for ongoing change. It is also common for people to return for a few sessions at a later stage if new challenges arise or if they would like support to get things back on track.
Do you offer online sessions?
Yes. Online sessions can be a flexible and effective option for many individuals, couples, and families.
Reach out today
(+64) 021 886 408 | mandy@thecftplace.co.nz
Face to Face Therapy in Auckland, New Zealand
Providing Online Therapy from New Zealand to the World
