Usage of the Consulting Room:
Psychological consulting rooms usually have house rules that set specific frameworks regarding arrival, delays, and room usage. Adhering to these is very important to ensure the clients have adequate peace and quiet. In some offices, soundproofing is not complete, so early arrivals/late departures can disturb discretion. Remember, if you arrive outside the designated reception time window—either too early or too late—your ringing can disrupt ongoing sessions.

For the reasons mentioned above, being late might put you in an uncomfortable situation, as well as your psychologist and everyone else present in the office. On one hand, you arrive when work is already happening in other rooms, disturbing the silence. On the other hand, you might feel uncomfortable or exhausted from rushing, and you may need more time to adjust to the session's atmosphere—if at all. Moreover, your psychologist might eventually stop waiting for you if you're too late, or they might try to be nice and compensate for the time you've wasted, taking away their own break to extend your session. In short, following the rules ensures the most comfortable outcome for everyone, so let's strive for that.

Remember, a single session usually lasts between 45 and 60 minutes, while couple therapy/family therapy sessions are 80-90 minutes long. This time frame is available for arriving, sharing meaningful thoughts, checking appointments, wrapping up, and paying. Try to utilize it fully, this time is for you.

Using Informal/Formal Address:
This question comes up with almost every client: is it okay to use informal address with my psychologist? Every psychologist communicates and operates differently. Some will return the informal address if you initiate it; some see it as a matter for discussion, while others stick to formal address even with clients of the same or younger age. If this question makes you uneasy, feel free to ask, but if your psychologist prefers to maintain formal address, do not override their decision. What is certain is that the success of the counseling and establishing a good therapeutic relationship is absolutely unaffected by the mode of communication.

Contracting: 
At the onset of the counseling process, an agreement is made between the client and the psychologist, which can vary in content. It typically includes the purpose of meetings, the duration and location of sessions, the payment system, as well as cancellation and rescheduling conditions. This so-called therapeutic contract ensures clear expectations and process boundaries for both parties. The contract is prepared in the spirit of safety and transparency and serves both the psychologist's and the client's interests.

Payment and Financial Matters:
Details regarding the cost of counseling are clarified during the first meeting. The method and schedule of payment are part of the therapeutic contract, which facilitates transparent collaboration. Pre-clarified boundaries ensure that financial aspects do not interfere with professional work, but rather provide a clear and predictable background for both parties.

For smooth cooperation, always share any doubts or questions with your psychologist—even regarding the framework of counseling. The most important thing is that your joint work unfolds in a trustful relationship and calm environment.