Angus Ferguson Counselling hand-drawn AFC monogramAngus FergusonCounselling

What to expect

Nobody tells you what actually happens.

If you’re wondering what starting therapy involves, the four steps below offer a simple outline of what you can expect as we begin our work together.

If you haven’t got that far yet, what people usually bring may be the better place to start. If it’s the practical side you’re weighing up, the fee, the Medicare question and phone and video sessions are all answered plainly.

How it goes

From first call to last session.

  1. 01

    The free call

    About 15 minutes. In our initial phone call, we take a moment to get a sense of whether we might be a good therapeutic fit and whether my approach aligns with what you’re hoping for. If it seems that another clinician may be better suited, I’ll offer thoughtful suggestions to help you find the right support.

  2. 02

    Picking a time

    We find a slot. Evenings are available. If you would rather not come in at all, phone and video sessions are the same length and the same fee.

  3. 03

    The first session

    Our first session (50 minutes) is a chance to make contact and explore what feels present for you, at a pace that feels right. There’s no pressure or expectations — we simply follow what emerges and see whether the fit supports your therapy goals.

  4. 04

    Deciding whether to continue

    At the end of the session, we take a moment to reflect on how our time together felt and whether continuing the work feels right for you.

Before you come

The whole walk, from the footpath to the chair.

Not knowing what you are walking into is its own reason to put this off. So here is every step of it, in order, with nothing dressed up. There are four.

  1. The entrance to the practice at dusk, with the windows lit
    01The front door

    You find the entrance

    Located at 263 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

  2. A green garden path and shaded deck leading to the entrance
    02The way in

    You walk up the path

    Follow the signs inside the clinic that direct you up two flights of stairs, and to the left- You'll then see the waiting room on your left. 

  3. A plant-filled sunroom waiting area with cane chairs and windows on three sides
    03The wait

    You wait somewhere quiet

    Angus comes out to meet you from here at your session time. -The bathroom is further down the hallway from the waiting room, and on your left.

  4. The counselling room — two red mid-century armchairs facing each other by a tall window
    04The room

    And then you sit down

    Make yourself comfortable on the grey couch

Worth knowing

Six things people are relieved to hear.

Still not sure? That is what the free call is for.

15 minutes, no cost, no obligation, and you can ask me anything on this page in your own words.