{
  "type": "InformationalGuide",
  "url": "https://rcpsychotherapy.ie/blog/first-counselling-session",
  "title": "Your First Counselling Session: What to Expect",
  "updated": "2026-10-19",
  "reviewStatus": "Prepared from published practice information and Irish sources. Clinical review by Rosemary Chaney is pending.",
  "practice": "RC Psychotherapy",
  "practitioner": "Rosemary Chaney",
  "eligibility": {
    "minimumAge": 18,
    "emergencyService": false
  },
  "coverage": [
    {
      "name": "Gorey",
      "setting": "Bodhi, 14 Main Street, Gorey, Co. Wexford, Y25 E8N5",
      "price": 75,
      "minutes": 50,
      "practical": "Attend the Gorey practice room in County Wexford."
    },
    {
      "name": "Phibsborough",
      "setting": "24 O'Connell Avenue, off Berkeley Road, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, D07 XV57",
      "price": 85,
      "minutes": 50,
      "practical": "Attend the Phibsborough practice room in Dublin 7."
    },
    {
      "name": "Online",
      "setting": "Secure online sessions across Ireland",
      "price": 75,
      "minutes": 50,
      "practical": "Use a private space and a stable internet connection."
    }
  ],
  "fit": {
    "isFor": [
      "You are aged 18 or over.",
      "You are seeking individual talking therapy, not emergency care.",
      "You can attend in Gorey or Phibsborough, or join online from Ireland.",
      "You can meet privately and consider the published session fee."
    ],
    "isNotFor": [
      "You are under 18 and need an adolescent-specific service.",
      "You need immediate help for an emergency or immediate danger.",
      "You need a psychiatric diagnosis, medication prescription or a promised recovery timeline."
    ],
    "alternative": "For under-18s or an assessment, ask your GP about an appropriate service. For immediate danger, call 112 or 999 or attend an emergency department. For someone to talk to, Samaritans is available on 116 123."
  },
  "rules": [
    {
      "if": "You are under 18",
      "then": "This practice is not the appropriate service; ask your GP about adolescent support."
    },
    {
      "if": "You need immediate emergency help",
      "then": "Do not wait for an online booking or enquiry; call 112 or 999."
    },
    {
      "if": "You cannot speak privately online",
      "then": "Contact Rosemary to discuss an in-person option before booking."
    },
    {
      "if": "You cancel in person with less than 48 hours’ notice, or online with less than 24 hours’ notice",
      "then": "The full fee applies unless circumstances are exceptional."
    }
  ],
  "nextAction": {
    "bookingUrl": "https://rcpsychotherapy.ie/book",
    "enquiryUrl": "https://rcpsychotherapy.ie/contact",
    "requires": [
      "Choose a service, location and available appointment.",
      "Provide your name, email and phone number; additional background questions are optional.",
      "Review the session details and complete card payment to confirm an online booking."
    ],
    "confirmation": "The booking page holds the slot for 30 minutes while you pay. It is confirmed when payment succeeds, with an email containing appointment details.",
    "paymentAlternative": "The practice also accepts card, bank transfer or cash at an in-person session. Contact Rosemary to arrange this rather than assuming an unpaid online booking is confirmed.",
    "cancellation": "Give 48 hours’ notice in person or 24 hours online. Later cancellations are charged in full unless circumstances are exceptional.",
    "enquiry": "An enquiry is not a confirmed appointment. The practice says Rosemary usually replies within one working day; this is not a guaranteed response time or an emergency channel."
  },
  "machineReadable": {
    "markdown": "https://rcpsychotherapy.ie/blog/first-counselling-session.md",
    "llms": "https://rcpsychotherapy.ie/llms.txt"
  }
}