What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session.

During our first therapy session, I'll invite you to share an overview of what has brought you to therapy and we'll explore together what your goals for therapy could be.

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 as comfortable as possible for you.

I might ask you questions about:

• What's been on your mind most

• What's been feeling difficult

• What you’d like us to prioritise making space to cover

• What emotions have been present for you

• What you might like to be different

• Previous experiences with counselling (this helps me to learn about anything that has been helpful or unhelpful previously so we can tailor our sessions in a way that works best for you)
  

• What your support network looks like

• What you would want from therapy

• What you feel like you need to support you

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.

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 ☺️