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You do not need to know which therapy model suits you before you start. Here is what fit really involves and how to talk about it in a first session.

Looking up psychological support can feel like being handed a menu written in a foreign language, with dozens of theories and acronyms to choose from. You do not have to arrive at the Freshwater clinic having already decided which school of therapy is right for you.

What fit actually means

Alongside acupuncture, Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, is qualified in psychotherapy. In her work, fit is less about a label and more about how the sessions feel to you. Consider:

• whether you feel safe enough to speak openly
• whether the explanations you are given make sense
• whether the goals reflect what you care about

Those qualities often matter more than the name of the method on the door.

Questions to bring to a first session

You might ask Christine how the suggested approach connects with the concerns you have described, and how it could be adjusted if something is not working. Another useful question is what happens if a different approach or a referral to another service would serve you better. A collaborative working relationship leaves room for exactly that kind of discussion.

Shaping the direction together

Your priorities should guide the work. It can help to think about what you would like to understand, what has felt hard to change and what signs would tell you that something is shifting. Ask how and when the approach will be revisited, and what support exists if your situation changes between sessions.

About suitability and referral

Psychotherapy suits many concerns but not every situation. If your needs call for a specialist mental health assessment or more intensive support, Christine can discuss involving your GP or another service. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.

For Northern Beaches residents unsure where to begin, an initial session at the Freshwater clinic is a low-pressure way to talk through options without committing to a particular model in advance.