What Actually Happens in a First Counselling Session?

One of the biggest things that stops people from booking their first counselling session is not knowing what to expect. The unknown can feel daunting, especially when you're already dealing with anxiety. So let me take some of that uncertainty away.

It starts with you

A first session isn't an interrogation. I won't be firing questions at you or expecting you to have everything figured out. We'll start with what's brought you here, and you share only as much as you feel ready to. There is no right or wrong way to begin.

We'll talk about what you'd like from therapy

Sometimes people come in with a clear goal. Sometimes they just know something isn't right but can't quite name it. Both are completely fine. Together, we'll start to shape what you'd like to get from our sessions — even if that picture changes over time.

I'll explain how I work

I'll briefly explain my approach (integrative and person-centred), what confidentiality means in practice, and how sessions work practically — things like cancellation policies and what happens between sessions. No jargon, no therapy-speak.

You'll leave knowing whether it feels right

The relationship between a client and therapist matters enormously. A first session is as much about you deciding if I'm the right fit for you, as it is anything else. If it doesn't feel right, that's okay — I'd rather you find the right support than stay somewhere that doesn't suit you.

Still not sure? That's exactly what my free 15-minute intro call is for. You can ask questions, get a feel for how I work, and decide if you'd like to take the next step — completely pressure-free.