Somewhere to be heard, in your own time and your own words

If you have never experienced the counselling process before, the first counselling session can feel like stepping into the unknown. I've put this together to alleviate some of that uncertainty, so that when we meet, you can focus on simply being yourself. 

There is no right way to approach this. You don't need to prepare anything, rehearse anything, or arrive with a clear idea of what to expect from counselling. You just need to come.

If we are meeting in person for your first counselling session, I will send you the address, parking information, and any access notes a day or two before. If we are meeting online, I will email you a secure video link. 

Please find a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted, as this is important for the counseling process. Having a glass of water nearby is always a good idea. 

If anything changes in the days leading up to our session ,  whether it’s due to illness, a difficult day, or second thoughts about what to expect from counselling , please just let me know. We can rearrange, have a phone conversation first, or adjust the pace as needed.

Our first counselling session lasts 50 minutes, which is the same length as every session that follows. During this time, we will cover some practical aspects of the counselling process — such as reviewing the Working Agreement, discussing confidentiality, and addressing any questions you might have — before focusing on you. 

You are welcome to share as much or as little as feels right. If you're unsure what to expect from counselling or where to start, that's perfectly okay. Some individuals begin by sharing what prompted them to reach out, while others might express uncertainty about what they want to discuss. Both approaches are completely fine. 

This is your space, and you can set your own pace. You decide what to bring to the session and when.

I am a person-centred counsellor, which means I trust that you know yourself best. In the counselling process, I will not give you advice, tell you what to do, or interpret what you say through a diagnostic lens. Instead, I aim to offer a relationship in which you feel heard, accepted, and free to explore whatever feels important. 

During your first counselling session, some people find this approach a little surprising, especially if they were expecting more direction. That is completely understandable. Over time, most people come to find that having a space which is genuinely theirs — where they don't have to perform, please, or get it right — is exactly what they needed.

Counselling can stir things up, especially during the first counselling session. You may leave a session feeling lighter, or you may feel tender, tired, or thoughtful. All of these feelings are normal in the counselling process. 

Be gentle with yourself afterwards. If possible, carve out a little time before diving back into your day — perhaps a short walk, a cup of tea, or a few minutes sitting in the car. Take a moment to notice what you notice. 

If something significant comes up between sessions that you want to remember, it might be helpful to jot it down. We can explore it in our next meeting to discuss what to expect from counselling.

After your first counselling session, you are completely free to decide whether to continue with the counseling process. The fit between client and counsellor is crucial, and not every counsellor is right for every person. If you feel I am not the right fit, I would prefer you to let me know rather than feel obligated to continue. I can sometimes suggest other counsellors who might suit you better. 

If you do decide to continue, we will agree on how often to meet and take it from there, ensuring you know what to expect from counselling.