What to expect
The space is yours …
Current Feelings and Events: Talk about how you feel right now, or what has happened since your last session.
Past Experiences: Explore significant memories, childhood events, or past relationships that may still be impacting you.
Relationships: Talk about important or frustrating people in your life (partners, family, friends, co-workers) and your interactions with them.
Thought Patterns: Notice recurring thoughts, irrational fears, or worries you can't shake off.
Goals and Dreams: Explore your short-term and long-term goals, aspirations, and what you want to achieve through therapy.
Challenges and Setbacks: Share what stresses you, where you feel stuck, or what you wish you could have done differently in a situation.
Physical Sensations: Describe where you feel emotions in your body (e.g., tension in the shoulders when stressed).
Gratitude and Strengths: List things you are grateful for, what brings you joy, and your personal strengths or accomplishments.
I offer prompts to help you to move past feeling stuck or having nothing to say. Silence is fine too!
“You can’t grow if your still stuck in the past ”
Stepping into your first counselling.
Busting the Myths: No Couches, Just Comfort
For those who imagine a counselling session to resemble a classic Freud scene—where the client lies on a couch while the therapist takes notes—let me assure you, that’s not how modern counselling works. If you’re coming in for a face-to-face session, you’ll find comfortable chairs in a welcoming, confidential office. For online or telephone sessions, I recommend finding a cosy, private spot free from distractions, where you can speak openly without fear of being overheard.
The First Session: What Happens?
Your first counselling session is primarily about getting to know each other and setting the stage for future work together. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:
Collecting Basic Information: I’ll begin by asking for some basic details like your name, address, and date of birth. This information is essential for our records and helps ensure your safety and confidentiality.
Counselling History: I may ask if you’ve attended counselling before. This helps me understand your past experiences and what worked or didn’t work for you.
Explaining the Process: I’ll answer any questions you have about how counselling works. It’s important that you feel comfortable and informed about the process.
Discussing the Counselling Contract: We’ll go over a counselling contract. While the word “contract” may sound formal, it’s actually a relaxed agreement that outlines the expectations and requirements set by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). This ensures that both you and I are clear about our roles and responsibilities.
Exploring Your Goals: We’ll talk about what brought you to counselling and if there are specific goals you’d like to achieve. Whether you’re dealing with a specific issue or just feeling overwhelmed, this is your opportunity to share what’s most important to you.
Throughout the session, I’ll ensure the atmosphere remains relaxed. Remember, this is your space to download without fear of judgment. My goal is to make you feel comfortable and supported as we begin this journey together.
After the Session: Taking Care of Yourself
Counselling can be a powerful experience, and it’s common to feel a range of emotions during and after a session. You might feel lighter after talking about your concerns, or you might feel tired as you process everything discussed. That’s why I always recommend taking some time for self-care after our sessions.
For Some clients find that listening to chill-out music or simply spending some quiet time alone helps them unwind and reflect on the session.
Whatever your preference, the key is to allow yourself some time to relax and take care of yourself.
Final Thoughts
Starting counselling is a brave and positive step towards understanding yourself better and working through your challenges. While the first session might feel a bit nerve-wracking, remember that it’s the beginning of a journey where you are in control. My role is to stay alongside you, offering support, insight, and a safe space to explore whatever is on your mind.
So, if you’re feeling anxious about your first session, know that you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel this way, but I hope this has helped to demystify the process and reassure you about what to expect. Counselling is your time—your space—and I’m here to help make that experience as positive and productive as possible.