Your Pre-Session
Welcome Pack
"Understanding is the First Step to Healing."
Thank you for choosing to begin this journey. This pack contains everything you need before your first session with Fatima Abdulkareem Abidemi. Please read each document carefully and complete the forms before we meet.
Welcome to Your Healing Journey
A personal letter from Fatima to you. Please read this before anything else.
Dear friend,
Thank you for being here.
I know it takes courage to reach out — and I want you to know that the fact that you are reading these words is already a brave and meaningful step.
My name is Fatima Abdulkareem Abidemi. I am a certified Child & Adolescent Counsellor, Mental Health Educator and the founder of the Break the Cycle™ Movement. For over ten years, I have had the privilege of walking alongside children, teenagers, adults, couples and families as they navigate some of life's most difficult emotional challenges.
Many people spend years blaming themselves for their reactions, struggles or relationship patterns — without realising that those patterns often began much earlier in life. My passion is helping people understand those stories. Not to remain trapped in the past, but to create a healthier future.
Why People Come Here
People often come to counselling because they find themselves asking questions such as:
- Why do I keep repeating the same relationship patterns?
- Why do I struggle to trust people?
- Why do I feel anxious even when everything seems fine?
- Why can't I let go of my past?
- Why do I always put everyone else before myself?
- Why does parenting feel so overwhelming?
- Why do I react so strongly to seemingly small situations?
If you've ever asked yourself any of these questions — you're not alone. And understanding those patterns is often the first step towards meaningful change.
What You Can Expect
When you begin counselling with me, you can expect:
- A safe and completely confidential environment
- Compassion without judgement
- Evidence-informed guidance
- Practical strategies for emotional wellbeing
- A pace that respects your story
Our First Session
Our first session is simply a conversation. I will ask a few gentle questions to understand what has brought you here and what you are hoping for. The goal is to establish therapeutic alliance, goals and treatment plan.
Sessions are 60 minutes long and are available online via Google Meet, or in person at my office in Ogba, Lagos.
Your Healing Journey
My Promise to You
If we work together, my commitment is simple. I'll meet you with compassion. I'll listen with respect. I'll honour your story. And together, we'll work towards understanding, healing and growth.
You don't have to carry your story alone.
Thank you for trusting me. I look forward to meeting you.
Founder, Break the Cycle™ · AEF-M Counselling
Personal Reflection & Intake Form
This form helps us understand you before your first session. Please answer as honestly as you feel comfortable. There are no right or wrong answers.
Section A — About You
Section B — What Brings You Here
Section C — Your Background
Section D — Your Goals
When ready, click below — your answers will be sent to Fatima via WhatsApp and Email automatically.
Counselling Agreement
This agreement sets out the framework for our work together. Please read each section carefully before your first session.
Welcome
Thank you for choosing AEF-M Counselling. This agreement has been created to ensure that our work together feels clear, safe and professionally grounded. Please read it fully and keep a copy for your records.
Nature of Counselling
Counselling provides a safe, supportive and confidential space for you to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences. The aim is to improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen coping skills, build resilience and support healthy development and healing. Counselling is not advice-giving, and it is not a medical service.
Sessions
- All sessions are 60 minutes long.
- Sessions are available online via Google Meet and in person at College Road Ogba, by College Bus-Stop, Lagos State, Nigeria.
- Please arrive on time. Sessions will end at the scheduled time regardless of late arrival.
- In the case of child and adolescent sessions, parent/guardian involvement will be discussed and agreed on a case-by-case basis.
Fees & Payment
- Nigeria: ₦60,000 per session · 60 minutes · Online or in person
- International: $50 USD per session · 60 minutes · Online via Google Meet
- Payment is due before each session via bank transfer.
- Account details will be shared upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
- A minimum of 24 hours' notice is required to cancel or reschedule a session.
- Late cancellations may attract the full session fee.
- Where possible, please notify us via WhatsApp as soon as you know.
Confidentiality
Everything discussed in sessions is completely confidential. The only exceptions are outlined in the Informed Consent Form (Step 4). In all cases, we will, wherever possible, discuss any necessary disclosure with you before taking action.
Online Sessions
For online sessions, please ensure you are in a quiet, private space with a stable internet connection and your camera switched on where possible. Online sessions take place via Google Meet.
Emergency Situations
Counselling is not an emergency service. If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services or proceed to the nearest emergency medical facility. Nigeria Suicide Prevention Helpline: 0800-SUICIDE.
Your Responsibilities
- Attend sessions on time.
- Provide accurate and honest information.
- Communicate significant changes that may affect your sessions.
- Engage with the process as openly as you feel able.
- Respect the confidential nature of the counselling space.
Client Name
Date
Informed Consent Form
Before we begin, I want to make sure you feel fully informed about your rights and the limits of confidentiality.
Your Right to Confidentiality
Everything you share in our sessions is held in strict confidence. No information about you will be disclosed to any third party without your written consent, except as outlined below.
Limits of Confidentiality
There are specific circumstances under which confidentiality may be broken:
- Risk of harm to self — if there is reasonable concern that you may seriously harm yourself.
- Risk of harm to others — if there is a risk of serious harm to another person.
- Child protection — if there is disclosure or reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a child or vulnerable person.
- Legal obligation — if required by law to disclose information.
In all of these situations, we will, wherever possible, discuss this with you before taking any action.
Your Right to Withdraw
Your participation in counselling is completely voluntary. You have the right to end counselling at any time, without giving a reason. You also have the right to withhold any information you do not feel ready to share.
Notes & Records
Brief session notes may be kept for professional purposes. These are stored securely and confidentially and will not be shared with any third party without your consent.
Professional Supervision
As a professional requirement, therapists engage in regular clinical supervision. If needed, your case may be discussed in a confidential and anonymised way to ensure the quality of care.
Your Consent
Please tick each box to confirm your understanding and consent:
Ticking all boxes and clicking below sends your signed consent to Fatima via WhatsApp and Email.
Book Your First Session
You've completed the essential documents. Now let's get your first session scheduled.
Every counselling journey begins with a single conversation. Your first session is unhurried — we start exactly where you are.
Choose Your Session Format
How to Book
Contact Details