What Happens in the First Session?

Whether you’ve had therapy before or this is your first time exploring it, starting with a new counsellor can bring up all sorts of feelings. You might be excited, nervous, uncertain, or experiencing something entirely different. Whatever you're feeling is valid. Meeting someone new (especially someone you’re hoping to build trust with and share important things with) is a big step, and it’s perfectly okay to feel a bit wobbly about that.

For many of us (myself included), not knowing what to expect can make the whole experience even more anxiety-inducing, which is why I’ve put this together – to give you a clearer sense of what our first session will be like.

Before we meet, I’ll email you a Zoom link that we’ll use for each of our sessions. When you click on it, you’ll enter a virtual waiting room, and I’ll start the session at our agreed time. If you're uncomfortable with video calls, just let me know, we can keep things to voice-only if that feels better for you. If you have any technical issues when connecting please get in touch (Whatsapp is best) and we'll trouble-shoot or find an alternative means of connecting.

Once we’re in the session together, I’ll begin with a few practicalities – things like confidentiality, boundaries, and what you can expect from me as your counsellor. You’ll receive a written agreement that you’re welcome to read through in your own time and sign when you’re ready. Then we move into the heart of the session – talking about what’s brought you here, and what you’d like to explore together.

Every counsellor works differently, so even if you’ve had therapy before, our work together may feel a little different. I work in a humanistic, trauma-informed way, which means I won’t ever pressure you to share anything you’re not ready to. My role is to offer you a safe and supportive space where you get to choose how we move forward – and how you want to show up.

I’m myself in sessions, and it’s important that we create a space where you feel able to be yourself too. You’re welcome to wear whatever you feel most comfortable in, sit however feels best, and move about or keep your hands busy if that helps.

For some clients, the name on your email address or bank account might not reflect who you are. If there’s a name, nickname, set of pronouns, or gendered language you’d prefer me to use, just let me know – I’ll always respect that.

Towards the end of our session, I’ll give you a gentle heads-up when we’ve got a few minutes left. That gives us space to finish up properly, without feeling rushed. If you’re happy to, we can arrange our next session then and there – or you’re welcome to take some time to think and let me know via email later on.

I hope this gives you a clearer idea of what to expect from your first session. If there’s anything you’re wondering about, or if you just want to check in before we meet, use the contact form and I'll be happy to answer.