Make an appointment with me.
The first step is for us to talk. To schedule a free 20-minute exploratory session please phone 021933143, email me at clare@clarerousseau.com or you can contact me directly here.
Exploratory session/s.
I offer an exploratory phone call (around 10 - 20 minutes) so that you can get a feel for how it is to talk to me, and so I can find out whether psychotherapy with me might be right for you. I won’t charge for this.
If you don’t know much about psychotherapy yet, I suggest you watch the 3 minute School of Life video on my About Psychotherapy page before you reach out to me. This may answer some of your questions and help you decide whether psychotherapy is what you’re looking for - noting of course that the actual style and approach to psychotherapy will vary by practitioner.
Our exploratory call is a chance for you to share a little bit about what is going on for you now. We’ll talk more about how I work, and we’ll discuss how our arrangement might work going forward. You’ll be able to ask any questions you may have about psychotherapy too.
Please indicate your availability and preferred method for an initial meeting.
What happens next?
It’s important that you find a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable. Sometimes people know straight away that they want to work together. Some people need time after a first session to process. For others it can take more than one session for you to get some clarity about whether I’m the right therapist for you long-term.
At the end of our exploratory phone call or session, I might ask you how it has been to talk with me. I will also endeavour to let you know whether I think we could work well together, or whether we need additional sessions to understand your situation and decide.
👉 If we both think we’re a good fit:
We’ll schedule a time for an ongoing session, and I’ll send you an intake form.
👉 If I think we’re a good fit, and you need a bit more time to decide:
We’ll agree to meet for up to three sessions for you to decide. We’ll use that time to understand more about what’s going on for you, and any hesitancies, doubts or fears you have about the process - all of which are very normal. You can decide at the end of those sessions whether you’d like to continue with me.
👉 If I think we’re a good fit, and you don’t:
You can simply let me know that you’d like to talk to some other therapists before making a commitment. I won’t take it personally. That’s my job!
👉 If I don’t think we’re a good fit:
I’ll let you know why and - if possible - suggest an alternative path.
You’ve digested our exploratory session, now what?
If you have further clarifying questions after our phone call, I would be happy to answer these via email, or you can bring them to your first session.
Availability
In-person
I currently work Tuesday to Friday on The Terrace, in the Wellington CBD.
Online or phone
If you need to travel occasionally for work, we can do our session online or over the phone. If you’re not sure how this will work, your best bet is to enquire with me directly.
Please be aware that most online conferencing programmes have some security and/or privacy limitations.
Sessions and Investment
Therapy is a commitment to yourself and your growth.
I offer weekly or twice-weekly sessions, as lasting change takes time. Fees are discussed individually, with some flexibility for those in financial need.
Location
In-person sessions will be held in my room at The Practice, 85 The Terrace (Level 6). For online sessions, I use Zoom, and for phone calls I will call you on your chosen number on either WhatsApp or regular phone.
