What to Expect from Your First Counselling Session
Making the decision to attend counselling might feel like the easy part. The next step is reaching out to a stranger and hoping they can provide you with what you need.
Sometimes it is the people around us who notice first. They may gently suggest that counselling could be helpful. As hard as that can be to hear, it may be worth considering. I often say: give it a go.
If you are unsure, you are more than welcome to send me a text or email, or give me a call and ask questions about the counselling process. I thought it might also be helpful to talk you through what happens when you contact me and how I help people feel more comfortable when they come to counselling.
It is normal to feel nervous
The first thing to acknowledge is that you may feel nervous or uncertain when you come to your first appointment. This is a completely normal human response. You are meeting someone new and may be preparing to speak about things that feel personal, painful or difficult to put into words.
Keep in mind that I am also human, and I may be holding a little nervous energy as I meet you for the first time too. The reassurance I can offer is that I am kind, compassionate and open. My intention is to provide a space that feels comfortable enough for you to speak openly about whatever you want or need to talk about.
What happens when you get in touch?
Let’s say you see my business advertised, find me through Google or hear about me from someone you trust. You might send me a text or an email. I will reply and may ask if I can give you a quick call, as it is sometimes easier to coordinate dates and times that way.
Once we have booked an appointment, I will send you a reminder and directions explaining how to access my therapy room.
Your first appointment
When you arrive, I will welcome you into the space, give you time to settle in and ask you to complete a client information form. This covers the basics: your name, address, phone number, emergency contact and a few other details.
Then I will ask a question along the lines of, ‘What brings you to counselling?’ or ‘What would be helpful for us to talk about today?’
I know that can feel like a very big, open question. If you are coming to counselling, there is often quite a lot sitting with you, and it can be difficult to know where to begin. Please be assured that if you cannot answer straight away, I will help guide you by being curious, asking gentle questions and following your pace. You do not need to arrive with the right words or tell me everything at once.
You can make the session work for you
You are more than welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. Some people also find it helpful to write down a few notes or make a list of the things they would like to discuss. This can help you stay on track and make sure we talk about what feels most important or helpful for you.
By the end of the first session, I may suggest a few strategies to try between appointments. I do not love calling it homework—LOL, that can scare some people off! It may simply be a grounding technique, breathwork or journalling. These are practical tools that many clients have told me they find helpful. There is no expectation to do everything perfectly; we are simply exploring what supports you.
Perhaps give counselling a go
You do not have to be in crisis, have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to say before coming to counselling. You only need to take the first step. The first session is also an opportunity for you to get a feel for me and decide whether I am the right counsellor for you.
If you have been thinking about counselling but feel nervous about reaching out, you are welcome to contact me and ask any questions you have. Perhaps give it a go—you may find it feels much easier once you are sitting in the room.
