Whether you’ve had lots of therapy or zero, starting something new can stir up lots of feelings. Working with a new counsellor can bring up fear of getting it wrong, uncertainty or apprehension. You might also feel relief, excitement or anticipation or maybe something else entirely. Whatever you’re feeling before you start is completely normal and there is no wrong way to do therapy, what’s important is that we find what works for you.

What to Expect

The first session is about getting to know each other and figuring out the best way to work together. Below I’ve provided an outline of the things we might talk about and ways you can prepare. There are also a couple of questions for you to ponder to help you get the most out of our time together.

Before we Meet

In the days leading up to your session you might find it useful to think about how you can use your time with me. Here are a few questions that might be helpful as journal prompts or just to ponder at your own pace. They’re completely optional and there's no quiz at the end, promise!

1. What made you reach out now and not at other points in time?
2. If you could wave a magic wand and solve your problem, what would be the first think you’d notice that would be different?
3. If you could jump to the end of your therapeutic journey, what would you need to feel to know that therapy had been successful?
4. What have you already tried to improve your situation?
5. Are there any changes you want to make, but can’t or don’t know how to make?

 

When you arrive

• Online sessions – If we’re meeting online, there's a few things you can do to get set up before we meet. You can join the link a few minutes early, here you’ll find options to check your camera, mic and speakers are all working well. Use this time to make sure your head and shoulders are clearly visible and that the lighting is good so I can see you clearly. It can be a good idea to have a drink and tissues to hand too.

 

• In Person Sessions – When you arrive take a seat in the waiting room, there is usually someone on the front desk if you need anything. I’ll come down to get you at the time of your session and there will be tissues and water available in the room. You’re welcome to bring your own drink too there are plenty of wonderful independent coffee shops in the highstreet. There are toilets on both floors, please make sure you’re comfortable before we begin.

 

During the Session

Logistics and confidentiality

Usually at the start we’ll go over the logistics, like what to do if you’re running late, or need to reschedule. If we’re meeting online we’ll also cover what to do if technology fails and how we’ll finish the session.

I’ll tell you more about confidentiality and my specific thresholds as every practitioner will be slightly different. My personal level of risk is based on what I feel equipped to support you with and what I feel we can contain safely in our sessions.

History Taking

Part of me being able to help you is getting an understanding of your life, this means past and present. The type of therapy I provide includes theories about how our past experiences can effect our present experiences. So i might ask you about your childhood and what it was like growing up. This helps me begin to understand what its like to be you, so I can personalise the way I support you.

If you’ve had any therapy before I might ask you what worked well and what you’d like to be different about our time together. If you haven’t had counselling, we might spend time reflecting on what made this feel like the right time and clarify anything that you might not feel sure about.

The Reason You’re Here

This is usually the part we spend the longest on because it’s the whole point of you being here. I’ll ask you about what life has been like and where it is and isn’t working. We’ll also take some time to think about what things you’d like to improve and if you have any ideas about how you’d like that to happen. We’ll try and get a rough idea of what you’re goals or hopes are for coming to counselling, this helps us remain focused on what’s important to you. You don’t have to talk about the same thing each week though and these goals and hopes might change over the course of your counselling sessions.

Before We End

Towards the end of our session, I’ll reflect back the key points we’ve covered and my thoughts about how I can support you. If any questions or concerns have come up for you during the session we can make space to try and work these through too. I’ll check in to ask how you’re feeling before you leave and see if anything in particular has been useful or if there’s something you’d like more of in your next session. Before you go we’ll make sure to book your next appointment too.

I hope you’ve found this helpful and if you’ve been feeling apprehensive I hope this has helped to reassure you a little. I look forward to meeting and getting to know you soon!