What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FIRST COUNSELLING SESSION
Starting counselling for the first time can feel a little daunting, particularly if you are not sure what to expect.
Your first session is an opportunity for us to meet, talk about what has brought you to counselling and begin to get a sense of what you would like support with.
You do not need to arrive knowing exactly what you want to say or where to begin.
I will explain how I work, answer any questions you have and give you time to talk at your own pace. It is also an opportunity for you to decide whether working together feels right for you.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Before we begin counselling, I will ask you for some basic information and explain the practical side of working together, including confidentiality and how your information is handled.
We will also talk about any concerns or questions you may have before getting started.
The aim is simply to make sure you understand how counselling will work and feel comfortable beginning our sessions.
GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER
The first session gives us an opportunity to get to know each other and for me to understand a little more about you and what is happening in your life.
There is no pressure to tell me everything straight away. You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable, and we can begin wherever feels most important to you.
WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE FROM COUNSELLING
You may already have a clear idea of what you would like to work on, or you may simply know that something does not feel right. You do not need to have everything worked out before you begin.
As we work together, we can develop a clearer understanding of what you need from counselling and allow this to guide our sessions.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND TRUST
What you share in counselling is treated confidentially. I will explain confidentiality clearly at the beginning of our work together, including the circumstances in which I may need to share information, such as when there are serious concerns about safety.
I work within the ethical framework of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and take your privacy and personal information seriously.
If you have any questions about confidentiality, you are always welcome to ask.
EXPLORING YOUR CONCERNS
During the first session, we can begin to explore what has been happening and anything from your past that you feel may be relevant.
I will listen carefully and, where it feels helpful, ask questions that may help us understand your experiences more clearly.
There is no expectation for you to talk about everything in the first session, and you can decide what you feel ready to explore.
Over time, this can help us identify what feels most important for you and where you would like our work together to focus.
HOW COUNSELLING MAY DEVELOP
There is no set formula for counselling, and the way our sessions develop will depend on you and what you bring.
Sometimes we may focus on what is happening in your life now. At other times, it may be helpful to explore past experiences, relationships or patterns that seem to keep returning.
As our work develops, we can notice what feels most useful and allow the counselling to develop in a way that feels right for you.
YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED
The first session is also an opportunity to ask me anything you would like to know about counselling, how I work, my qualifications or what you can expect from our sessions.
If there is anything you are unsure about, you are welcome to ask so that you can decide whether counselling with me feels right for you.
TAKING THINGS AT YOUR OWN PACE
You do not need to achieve anything particular in your first session. For some people, simply talking openly about what has been happening can feel significant in itself.
There may be things you are ready to explore straight away and other things that take time.
There is no pressure to talk about anything before you feel ready.
Counselling can develop gradually, and we will work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
NEXT STEPS
Towards the end of the first session, we can talk about how the session has felt for you and whether you would like to continue working together.
If you decide that you would, we can arrange your next session and continue from there.
There is no pressure to make a long-term commitment, and we can review how the counselling is working for you as we go.
Questions & Answers
Q: What is counselling?
A: Counselling gives you an opportunity to talk openly about what is happening in your life with someone who is trained to listen and help you explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences.
It is not about being told what to do or being given all the answers.
We work together to develop a better understanding of what may be happening for you and what you might want to change.
Q: How do I know if counselling might help me?
A: You do not need to be in crisis or have a particular diagnosis to come to counselling. You may be struggling with anxiety, stress, relationships, loss, low self-esteem or something from your past, or you may simply feel stuck and want to understand yourself better.
If you are unsure whether counselling is right for you, you are welcome to contact me and ask any questions before deciding.
Q: How long will I need counselling for?
A: There is no set number of sessions. Some people find that a relatively short period of counselling gives them what they need, while others choose to work for longer.
We can regularly review how counselling is going and whether continuing feels useful to you.
Q: Are counselling sessions confidential?
A: What you share with me is treated confidentially. There are some circumstances in which I may need to share information, particularly where there are serious concerns about safety or where disclosure is required by law.
I will explain confidentiality and its limits clearly before we begin working together, and you can ask questions about this at any time.
Q: How do online counselling sessions work?
A: Sessions take place remotely, allowing you to attend counselling from a private and comfortable location without needing to travel.
Before we begin, I will explain how the sessions work and what you will need so that you feel comfortable using online counselling.
Q: Do you work with young people?
A: Yes. I work with young people aged 12 and over and have experience providing counselling within educational settings as well as private practice.
Young people may come to counselling for many reasons, including anxiety, school or college pressures, relationships, family difficulties, self-esteem and feeling overwhelmed.
Q: What if I do not feel that we are the right fit?
A: Feeling comfortable with your counsellor is important. If something does not feel right, you are welcome to talk to me about it at any point.
Sometimes another counsellor or a different type of support may be more appropriate. If that is the case, I will be open about this and, where possible, help you consider other options.
Q: How much does counselling cost?
A: Online counselling sessions are £45 for 50 minutes.
If you would like to ask any questions before arranging a session, you are welcome to get in touch.
Q: What should I do if I need urgent mental health support?
A: My counselling service is not an emergency or crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency department.
If you need urgent mental health support but there is no immediate danger, you can contact NHS 111 for advice and support.