What to Expect

Is SHIPS Right For Me?

At SHIPS, we’re guided by values of inclusivity, diversity, compassion, and respect. We want you to feel truly welcomed here — just as you are.

SHIPS is a place where all identities and experiences are honoured. We’re proud to be a kink-friendly, poly-friendly, sex work-positive, LGBTIQA+ affirming, and disability-inclusive practice. Creating a safe, supportive space is at the heart of everything we do.

While our work often centres around sex, intimacy, and relationships, we support people with a wide range of concerns. That’s because sex and sexuality are deeply connected to how we see ourselves, how we relate to others, and how we experience the world.

Whether you’re looking for support around something specific or you’re just starting to explore what’s going on, you don’t need to have it all figured out.

We’ll meet you where you are — with warmth, care, and curiosity — and walk alongside you from there.

What Do I Need to Do Before My First Appointment?

Before your first session, you’ll receive a consent and registration form to complete. It’s really important that you fill these out beforehand — they help your practitioner prepare and ensure you receive the best possible support from day one.

If you’re using a Mental Health Care Plan, please either email it to our admin team ahead of time or bring it along to your appointment.

If you have any questions about this process, our friendly admin team is here to help — just give us a call or send us a message. We’re here to make things as smooth and supportive as possible.

What Will Happen in My First Appointment?

On the day of your first session, we recommend arriving a little early so you can find your way and take a moment to settle in. Directions and access information can be found [here].

Our warm and inclusive admin team will check you in and help you feel comfortable in our space. You’re welcome to have some water and relax in the waiting area before your session begins.

When it’s time, your practitioner will greet you and invite you into a welcoming, private room. You’ll have the chance to share what brought you in, what you’d like support with, and anything else that feels important to you. Your practitioner will gently ask about your current situation, symptoms, and personal history — always at a pace that feels right for you.

This is your time and your space. If there’s anything you need to feel more comfortable — whether it’s lighting, room temperature, or having a cushion or fidget toy — just let your practitioner know. You’re also welcome to bring anything with you that helps you feel safe and grounded.

Sessions run for 50 minutes, and you won’t need to keep track of time — your practitioner will let you know when there are a few minutes left so you can finish up gently.

How Will I Know if Treatment is Working?

You and your practitioner will regularly check in with each other to reflect on how things are going. If something doesn’t feel quite right — or if you’re curious about trying a different approach — your practitioner will welcome that conversation.

Progress in therapy can look and feel different for everyone. It might show up as:

  • Feeling more connected to yourself

  • Noticing a shift in your relationships

  • Experiencing fewer or less intense symptoms

  • Finding new ways of thinking, feeling, or coping

Your practitioner may also invite you to complete occasional check-in surveys to help track your progress together in a meaningful and structured way.

And it’s okay if not every session feels good. In fact, sometimes feeling worse before feeling better can be a sign you’re doing important and courageous work. Healing often asks us to look at painful parts of our past so we can make sense of them in new ways — and that takes time, care, and trust.

Even the hardest conversations can be the most transformative.
You don’t have to go through it alone — we’re here with you, every step of the way.

Still Have Questions?

We know that starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to have questions.

Our friendly reception team is here to help. Whether you’re wondering about our services, how things work at SHIPS, or which practitioner might be the right fit for you — just call or email us, and we’ll do our best to support you.

If you’d like to speak with a practitioner before booking, let us know. We’re happy to arrange a brief introductory chat, so you can get a feel for the fit and make an informed decision about moving forward.

You don’t have to figure it all out alone — we’re here with you.