So - it’s finally here: your first session.
Starting something new, especially Counselling, can bring up all sorts of questions. I already know the effort you’ve taken to get to this step: a lot of thinking, searching for the right Counsellor, then reading our websites until you found the one that felt right (thank you for being here and considering me) - I want to make this first step as easy as possible, so below is what it’s like to book a first session with me. If you decide to book, you’ll know exactly how it’ll go - no surprises.
First impressions
Firstly — I’m nervous/excited too. I’ll probably laugh awkwardly at myself or stumble over my words at the start, but I’ll always greet you with a smile. It’s a first meeting for me as well, and I want to offer you the best support I can. I care about that, and I don’t mind saying so. (You might find that as sessions progress I’ll share how I feel with you — no ‘blank slate’, cold-stare Freudian Therapist here! I believe in the power of human connection in therapy. You will always be at the centre: I may share how I feel hearing what you’ve experienced, but I won’t tell you what I had for breakfast, don’t worry.)
If you’re coming in-person, I’ll probably meet you at the door - we don’t often have receptionists - and show you to the room. We can shake hands if that feels right, or not, if you’d prefer. You’ll have a choice of two chairs so you can pick the one that feels most comfortable.
Contracting
Once we’re settled (and probably covered the weather like the British do), we’ll go through contracting. When you booked, you’ll have received my contract to read and complete before the first session, and I’ll have read the client form you filled in. That form asks a few background questions - for example about family relationships (e.g. “Grandfather: close, passed away”) - which gives me helpful context for future sessions.
I’ll bring up the contract in the session and summarise it for you. If you have any questions or concerns, we’ll discuss them until you’re happy. Our contract is important because it helps us both know what we’re working towards and what to expect from each other, and we can always revisit it later. I aim to make this a quick, simple conversation rather than a mountain of paperwork (because I hate that too!). Completing the contract beforehand also helps me spot if the issue you’re facing is outside my area of practice - if so, I can recommend other Counsellors or services that might be a better fit, to avoid disappointment.
The contract also helps me understand where you are emotionally right now. I’ll ask directly if you are self-harming or having suicidal thoughts and, if needed, we might go through a safety plan and a risk assessment. This isn’t scary - just a few practical things to refer to if you need them. If I believe your life is at risk, I have a duty of care to inform your GP. Sessions can continue with this information recorded so we have it to refer back to.
Getting started
Once we’re clear on the contract, we’ll start. You might know exactly where to begin or you might have no idea - either is fine. You don’t need to be prepared or express yourself perfectly - just come as you are and we’ll find the way together.
If you’re unsure, I’ll ask some gentle questions about how life is for you right now and how your concerns are affecting you. I may also ask about what your childhood was like so we can see whether the past might be playing a part.
This is your time to talk about what matters to you, and it’s also a chance to see what I’m like as a Therapist. You’ll see how I reflect, paraphrase, listen and try to understand and be with you in what you feel. You’ll start to get a sense of whether I’m the right therapist for you - someone you feel you can trust to join you on the journey towards being more of the person you want to be.
Sessions are 50 minutes. I’ll give you a gentle reminder as we come to an end. I’ll ask whether you’d like to continue with me and if that decision feels too big in the moment, that’s absolutely fine. I’ll send a text two days later to check in.
At the end I’ll walk you to the door and say goodbye. 🙂
The best part about your first session being free is that if you feel I’m not the right fit, you leave with a clearer sense of what you’re looking for - with no loss. I understand wanting to dip your toes in before committing, so I’m happy for our first session to be free.
If you decide we’re a good fit - either in the session or by text afterwards - I’ll be looking forward to working with you. We’ll agree a regular day and time when we see each other, and away we go.
Questions are always welcome and safe to explore. Please feel free to look around the rest of my website or get in touch today - let’s bring you one step closer to where you want to be.