Renate Ridings
Understanding Ourselves and Others Through Psychotherapy & Counselling

How it starts
Starting therapy can feel uncertain — especially if you’re not sure what to expect.
What brings people to therapy
People often come to therapy when something no longer feels sustainable.
You might be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected and alone. You may notice patterns repeating in relationships, feel uncertain about your direction, or you may be struggling to hold it all together.
Sometimes there isn’t a clear reason — just a feeling that something needs attention.
The first session
The first session is a chance to begin talking in more detail about what has brought you to therapy.
There’s no expectation to explain everything at once — take things step by step.
Therapy is your space. It's your session to explore whatever you wish, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What is therapy like
Therapy offers a space to slow things down and look more closely at what’s going on.
Over time, therapy can help make sense of reactions, feelings, or relationship patterns that may currently feel confusing or repetitive.
This might include exploring patterns in how you think, feel, and relate to others, as well as how these have developed.
Ongoing Therapy
The length of therapy can vary depending on what you’re looking for.
Some people come for a shorter period, focusing on a particular issue over a number of weeks. Others choose to work together for longer, allowing space to explore more deeply rooted patterns or past experiences.
You can review this together as you go, and adjust the pace or focus where needed.
How therapy begins
It begins with an initial conversation. This is an opportunity for you to ask questions, get a sense of how it works, and decide whether it feels like a good fit.
If you choose to continue, you would agree a regular time to meet and discuss practical details such as confidentiality, fees, and boundaries. This forms the basis of the working agreement.
Psychotherapy Online Sessions are typically 50 minutes long and take place weekly.
Training & Placement
Psychotherapy is a profession that places a strong emphasis on ethical practice, self-awareness, and lifelong learning, with training continuing well beyond qualification.
Training includes a minimum of 450 supervised clinical hours working with clients, regular clinical supervision, personal therapy, ongoing professional development, and meeting the accreditation requirements of both UKATA and UKCP.
I am currently completing clinical training and working with clients within placement settings.
Please explore the blog for a clearer sense of how therapy works, different approaches, and what to consider along the way.
You're welcome to get in touch with any queries.