What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session.

During our first therapy session, I'll provide space for you to share an overview of how you are feeling, what has brought you to therapy and what you’d like to gain from our sessions.

You don’t need to have all the answers or know what you’ll say, the first sessions is about settling into our shared space and you being fully heard.

During our sessions, I can ask guiding questions that can help you to explore and understand what you are feeling and what’s on your mind.

Some people come to therapy with clear goals while others aren't too sure - both scenarios are completely okay!

There will be no pressure to share anything you don't feel comfortable with and our sessions can progress at a pace that feels right for you.

I might ask you questions around:

• What has been on your mind recently

• What has been feeling hard

• What feels important for us to explore

• What would you like to be different

• What you have been doing to try and cope (helpful / unhelpful)

• What is your previous experiences with counselling (this helps me to learn about anything that has been helpful or unhelpful previously so we can tailor our sessions).

  
  

If you aren't too about what your goals for therapy would be it can be useful to ask yourself:

• What would I like to gain from therapy?

• When my sessions have finished, how will I know they've been helpful?

Some common goals are:

• To reduce and manage anxiety

• To learn healthier ways of coping

• To feel better about myself

• To process previous trauma

• To manage my emotions in a healthier way

There is no pressure around what you need to prepare for your first session.

If there are certain things that would be helpful for me to know or you'd like to mention in our first session, it can help to write a list of these things as a reminder - but you just need to bring yourself and we’ll go from there.

I’ll be fully present alongside you and I’m always open to feedback around how you’re finding exploring things together.

Our first session will also give you space to ask any questions or for us to talk through anything you feel unsure of.

If you choose online sessions I recommend making sure you have a confidential space to talk without worrying that others can hear or interrupt you ☺️