Taking the first step into counselling can bring up all sorts of emotions.
You might feel relief and curiosity to nervousness or even fear. Knowing what to expect can help ease those first-session nerves.
Arriving just as you are…
You don’t need to prepare anything or have the “right” words. It’s okay if you feel unsure or emotional. The first session is about getting to know each other and seeing if it feels like the right fit. It’s as much about you getting to know me as me getting to know you. After this session, if you think you would like to meet again, and I feel I can work with you, then you can book in further sessions.
Before the first session:
I will send you a copy of my counselling contract via email for you to read and agree to, if you feel happy with it. You may also have questions after reading the contract that you wish to discuss in the first session and that’s okay. Make a note of any questions and bring them to the first session. I’d be happy to discuss them with you.
Additionally I will send you a short form to complete with some basic details which will help with completing some of the details we will continue with during the first session.
If we are working together online then I will send you a Google Meet link. You should not need to download any software to do this. However, if you want to try having sessions via a mobile phone or tablet then you are advised to download the Google Meet app before the session. The best option is to use a laptop as this seems to cause less technical issues generally. I always advise testing out the link before the session starts to resolve any issues in advance of a session. The Google Meet link will remain the same link for further sessions. Sessions need to be held in a safe and confidential space where you are unlikely to be disturbed.
What we might talk about…
We might explore:
- Thinking about anxiety and depression and scaling how you are feeling currently
- Your general wellbeing – including quality of sleep, appetite etc
- Your experiences of previous therapy – what worked well and what didn’t work so well
- Any diagnoses or feelings of possible neurodivergence (including OCD, ASD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia)
- What brings you to therapy now
- Any important experiences or challenges
- What you’d like to get from therapy
- Any questions or concerns you have about the process
This session is building a picture of you and what brings you to therapy. We will not explore anything too deeply, there’s no pressure to share everything straight away. You’re welcome to go at your own pace.
Building trust
Therapy is built on relationship and trust takes time. The first session is a chance for us to begin creating a safe, accepting space where you can feel supported and heard.
Practical things
We’ll also talk through the counselling contract:
- The Ethical Framework I adhere to
- Confidentiality
- Boundaries
- Supervision
- Complaints
- Session cancellations
- Session frequency and payment
- Emergency contacts (especially for online work)
- How we’ll review progress
- Any questions or concerns you may have
I’ll check that you feel comfortable and answer any questions before we move forward. You can also check out my Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
It’s okay to feel unsure
Many people leave their first session feeling a mix of emotions, lighter, hopeful, uncertain, emotional. That’s completely normal. You’ve taken a courageous first step.
If you’re considering counselling, I offer a free, no-pressure call to help you decide if I’m the right therapist for you. You can contact me here to book a call.
If you want to read more about counselling you can read more here.
