Information for New Clients
What to Expect When You Book a Session
When you come to see Samantha James for a psychological session you can expect a warm. inviting and professional environment. Samantha is an experienced therapist who is sensitive to the deeper issues that may be impacting upon you, whilst at the same time respectful of your boundaries and goals. With Samantha, therapy is collaborative and she brings expertise in ways of managing and resolving emotional and psychological issues to support you in creating the life you want for yourself.
Your privacy is ensured, information you share with Samantha in your sessions will be confidential and not shared with anyone without your explicit permission or in the event of a court order or unless there is a danger to yourself or others. In this case Samantha will inform you and work with you to create a plan.
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What happens in a session?
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Sessions are approximately 50 minutes and can take place at the clinic in Lismore or via tele-health. Your goals are important and Samantha begins by listening to what is happening for you and where you would like be. Together Samantha will consult with you about the best approach to resolve issues and reach your therapeutic goals. Samantha is trained in a wide range of therapies and approaches and can you inform you of the best evidence based practice to address your particular concerns.Samantha will always check in with you regularly to to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident the therapy is effective for you. And if there is a fit then Samantha will work out a plan with you that fits with the therapeutic goals and your particular financial and time constraints.
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How long will the therapy go on for?
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Therapy can be short term or long term and many people will work with a particular issue or goal for a period of time intensively and then check in again in the future if there are future issues or changes they would like to make.
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Information for Parents / Guardians
Children Under 14 years old
Samantha specialises in child, adolescent and family counselling - so you can be assured your child is receiving the best care possible. Samantha has a dedicated child-focussed practice space in her clinic where she uses a wide range of expressive therapies, play therapy, art therapy and where relevant she has a therapy dog to make the therapeutic experience enjoyable for your child.
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Parental Involvement
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For Children and Young people under 18 years of age consent from parent as it is a legal requirement. Samantha uses a family approach where parents are invited to sit into sessions. Initially Samantha will do a session with the parent prior to seeing the child. She works collaboratively and will keep the parent informed through out the therapeutic process.​
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If necessary Samantha will request a family session where she can up date you with your child's progress and needs or you may be invited into a shared session.
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Confidentiality & Sharing Information
Although there are limits to confidentiality for young people I aim to provide a safe and private space for them to talk about their difficulties. If there are any concerns we talk together with you to work out a plan together.
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Limits to confidentiality are: if your child is at risk of harm to self or others; if there is a court order ; or consent is given to share information with a third party (eg another service or other professional).
Information for Adolescents & Young People
Adolescents and Young Adults
Samantha has many years expertise working with young people and the particular issues they face. She has specialised in working with young people as they navigate their way into adulthood and as a clinical psychologist she is highly attuned to the risks and vulnerabilities that young people face during this transition.
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Parental Involvement
Adolescents and young people under 18 years of age will need consent from parent to see Samantha, as it is a legal requirement. Samantha works in a collaborative family focused way. Sessions are conducted with the young person and concerns and issues will be discussed with a parent as necessary. Instances that I may discuss the content of sessions with a parent are when there is a significant risk, unsafe behaviours as well as serious difficulties impacting on their wellbeing (for example. bullying). I will discuss with the young person how to approach these conversations and involve them as much as possible.
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Confidentiality & Sharing Information
Although their are limits to confidentiality for young people I aim to provide a safe and private space for them to talk about their difficulties. If there are any concerns we talk together with parents and the young person to work out a plan together.
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Limits to confidentiality are: if your child is at risk of harm to self or others; if there is a court order ; or consent is given to share information with a third party (eg another service or other professional).