“Meeting someone for the first time can be a bit nerve-wracking for both of us. I find it easier when someone has already had a look around, has a sense that my approach might be right for them, and is genuinely curious about working together.”

I'm AyhanUKCP full clinical psychotherapist

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably been offered a discovery call and I’m looking forward to meeting you. Starting therapy or coaching can feel stressful, so I’ve outlined what to expect from the call in more detail. This is Step 2 in the overall therapeutic journey, which I’ve mapped out to make the process clearer and easier to follow. This way, you know what the call is for and don’t have to guess.

Why was I offered a discovery call?

While you may have already read a bit about how I work, I haven’t had the chance to hear from you yet. The discovery call is a chance for me to get to know you a little, and to see whether I can support you with what you need.

What happens during a discovery call?

The discovery call is free of charge and usually lasts around 20 to 30 minutes. These are the areas I usually explore:

  • Get to know each other a little
  • Hear what you’re hoping to work on
  • Get a sense of what support has worked (or not) before
  • Talk through practicalities, including structure and possible start dates
  • Answer any questions you may have about the process

There’s no need to prepare anything in advance. It’s just a first conversation to see what might be possible.

What are you assessing during the call?

As we talk, I’ll be getting a sense of a few key things:

  • Whether weekly sessions are possible for you
  • Whether you feel ready for regular therapy
  • Whether you have enough resources and support around you
  • Whether any practical or financial factors might affect ongoing sessions
  • Whether I’m the right person to support you in what you’re looking to do

What can I ask you?

You’re welcome to ask me anything about therapy and how I work. There are no silly questions. If it helps you feel more at ease or decide whether to go ahead, I’m happy to talk it through.

Here are some questions you might want to ask:

  • What’s your approach in therapy?
  • How do sessions usually begin?
  • Have you worked with people with similar experiences?
  • How do you handle things if someone feels stuck or unsure?
  • How do you know when therapy isn’t working?

What happens after the call?

By the end of the discovery call, I can usually tell whether I’m the right person to support you. If I feel I’m not, I’ll be honest about that and suggest alternatives. If this is your first time looking for a therapist, I often recommend speaking to a few people before deciding. It’s helpful to have options.

After the call, take a few days to notice how you feel and whether you’d like to work with me.

  • If you decide to go ahead, let me know and I’ll send you the intake form.
  • If I haven’t heard from you after a week, I may send a quick follow-up to check in.
  • If I don’t hear back after the follow-up, I’ll assume you’ve decided not to go ahead for now. That’s completely okay.

If we decide to work together, congratulations. You’ve completed Step 2 and started Step 3 in the overall therapeutic journey.

Please review my credentials, training and fees to see if I might be a good fit for you. If you’d like to explore working together, you can arrange a free video call via my contact form.

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