What happens in the first session?

Taking the first step is often the hardest thing to do, and can be scary. Asking for help can be scary. If you have never been to counselling or therapy you may be wondering what to expect.

Let’s take it one step at a time.

You’ve emailed or called to say you would like to try counselling. We’ve set up a time for us to meet. Now what? Do you need to prepare? What do you talk about? What if you have nothing to say? What if you say the ‘wrong’ thing?

Our first meeting will be for us to get to know each other. I believe it is important that we both feel comfortable working together and the first few sessions are important for you to notice how you feel. Do you feel comfortable? Can you open up? Is this a safe space? If not, then maybe I am not the right counsellor for you. That’s ok.

I will ask you questions in our very first meeting to get a sense of what has brought you to counselling. My main objective is to make sure that I am able to help you. Do I have the right training? Do you need something that I am not equipped for? It is unethical for any counsellor to work with every client. There has to be a match in skills, training and personal safety, for both of us.