The first conversation exists for one purpose: to find out, with low stakes, whether working together makes sense. Twenty minutes, by phone or video, no charge, no obligation on either side.

What it looks like: you tell me, in whatever form it comes out, what brings you. It does not need to be organised. I may ask a few questions — about the situation, about what you are hoping for, about practical things like timing and frequency. You ask me whatever you want to know: how I work, what I think about your situation at first hearing, anything from this website you want unpacked.

What we are both actually listening for is harder to script: whether the conversation breathes. Research on therapy outcomes is unusually consistent on one point — the quality of the fit between the two people matters more than the method. You will have a felt sense of this within twenty minutes, and so will I. Trust it.

Three outcomes are possible, and all are good. We agree to begin, and book a first session. One of us senses it isn't the right fit — in which case I will say so honestly and, where I can, suggest colleagues whose way of working may suit you better. Or you take time to think, with no follow-up pressure from me; no reminder emails, no re-engagement sequence. The door simply stays open.