A Sensory Guide to the Paper Plane Counselling Therapy Room

Coming to therapy for the first time can be a daunting experience. You’ve probably reached a point where things feel so difficult, you know you need some help. But it’s anxiety provoking because you’re not really sure what therapy is going to be like yet, what the therapist (me!) is like or what kind of space you’re going to walk into. If you’re neurodivergent, you might be particularly sensitive to some of the sensory aspects of spaces – which can be a make or break of whether you find therapy helpful or torturous!

I’m writing this blog post to give you an idea of what it’s like being in the Paper Plane Counselling therapy room from a sensory perspective. So you know what kind of things you'll see, hear, smell, feel and whether you're going to be too hot, too cold or just about right.

I have deliberately set up the therapy room to be a calm, welcoming place for people to think about things that are troubling them. It’s inspired by the natural world and has a lot of plants, and pictures of green spaces on the walls.

Lighting

The Paper Plane Counselling therapy room

There are large windows which let in lots of natural daylight, though as they face West, the sun doesn't shine directly inside until late in the afternoon. So, it's very light but you don't have to squint with the sun in your eyes!

There is a beautiful view across the rooftops towards the TSB Showplace, Ngāmotu House and the Clock Tower. 

The main lighting comes from an overhead strip light. It doesn’t buzz but it is quite bright. If it bothers you then I’m happy to turn it off. There are also lamps in the room which provide softer, warmer light.

Sounds

The view through the windows

One thing that people coming to see me often remark on is how peaceful the room is. I think they’re surprised given it’s in the middle of town.

Although it's a very central location, we're high up and there is minimal disturbance from the street outside. It is generally a very tranquil place to be in with intermittent chimes from the clock tower and the occasional coo from a nearby pigeon. 

There are no ticking clocks in the room.

My phone is always on silent mode and I will encourage you to set yours likewise so you don’t get interrupted.

There are intermittent muffled sounds from neighbouring offices, which are used by other therapists, a photographer and an English language school. People are respectful of the need for a quiet environment and, while you can sometimes hear voices, you can’t hear what people are saying.

Confidentiality is obviously key with counselling and people are not able to overhear what you’re saying in your therapy sessions.

Smells

The oil burner is often lit

People often tell me that “it smells nice in here”! I intentionally burn a little lavender oil most days because I like the smell - I find it calming and it helps me to focus. However, I appreciate that it's not everyone's favourite and it might be triggering for some. If you'd rather the oil burner wasn't lit then just let me know ahead of your session. 

I don't use cleaning products or chemicals with synthetic smells.

Touch

You can choose where you want to sit in the therapy room

The counselling I offer does not involve touch so I don’t need to – and won’t - deliberately touch you. I don't expect you to touch me either but if you offer me a hand shake or a hongi then I won’t leave you hanging!

There are two chairs and a sofa with leather coverings – you can choose where feels most comfortable for you to sit. If you prefer to sit on the floor, perhaps on a cushion, that’s also fine.

All the seating has low arms so accommodates everyone regardless of shapes and sizes.

There are cushions which you can either use or move out of the way. There is a blanket to snuggle under if you want to.

There is a bowl of fidget toys (with a variety of textures) which can be used by anyone of any age. Sometimes people find it really helps them to focus when they can play with something in their hands while thinking and talking.

Sand and creative materials

Sand tray, miniatures and other creative materials that are sometimes used in therapy

As well as offering talk therapy, I frequently use creative materials to help clients make sense of what is bringing them to counselling. Many people don’t have the words to describe what has happened – or is happening to them – and the process of making images often helps to articulate feelings, narratives and explain situations. To help people make sense of themselves and the environments they're living within, I use a range of things like postcards, soft fluffy toys, specialist therapy prompt cards, play doh, paper and drawing materials, and a sand tray with figurines.

You can choose which, if any, creative materials to use, and in what ways. Many people it calming to simply run their hands through the sand. However, if you don’t like the texture then there’s no pressure to use it.

Temperature

There is a heat pump / air con unit and the average room temperature is 20°C. 

Refreshments

There's always water and a bowl of fidget toys to hand if you want to use them

There is always a glass of water waiting for you if you want one. I won’t offer you a tea or coffee, but you’re welcome to bring a hot drink in with you.

Next steps

You can find more information on how to find the therapy room – including a video walk through – in Is the counselling & therapy room wheelchair accessible?

If you have a question about an aspect of the therapy room then feel free to send me a message.

If you are keen to arrange a free 20-minute telephone or video call to talk about setting up regular counselling appointments then it’s really easy to do. You can book it directly through this site with just a couple of clicks.