So, you’ve decided to book in for your first counselling session. That can feel daunting, and it’s completely normal to feel a bit nervous. Taking this step takes courage, and simply getting to this point matters.
If you’re unsure what to expect, you’re not alone. Let’s walk through it together so you can feel a little more prepared and at ease.
Booking and Preparation
After you have booked in, I’ll send you an email with two key documents:
A copy of my working agreement (or counselling contract). This sounds quite formal, but it’s there to create a sense of clarity and safety for both of us. As counsellors, we follow strict ethical guidelines, and this document simply explains how we’ll work together.
It covers practical things like:
- Session details
- Confidentially and boundaries
- Cancellations and payment
- Security when working online
- What happens if technology fails
- Record keeping
- Use of supervision
The intake form: This is a very short form which gives you a chance to think a little about what’s brought you to counselling and what you might like support with. It also includes basic details such as your contact information and any current medication.
There’s no pressure to have everything figured out at this stage – just to share what feels comfortable.
Joining Our Session
Depending on what you’ve chosen, here’s how we’ll meet:
Telephone Appointment: I’ll call you at the scheduled time.
Online Session: I’ll send you a link beforehand, just click on it to join.
The First Counselling Session
The first session is sometimes called an “assessment”, but let’s not let that word put you off. It’s not a test or something you can get wrong – it’s simply a chance for me to get to know you a little better.
We’ll gently go through your intake form together and talk more about what’s been going on for you. This might include things like:
- What’s brought you to counselling?
- How things are affecting your day-to-day life?
- Whether you’ve had counselling before
- What has, or hasn’t helped in the past
- What you’re hoping to get from counselling
You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to know exactly what to say. We can take it at your pace.
This time also helps us understand what might be most helpful for you going forward. I’ll explain a little about how I work, and you’re very welcome to ask any questions along the way.
Finding the Right Fit
It’s really important that you comfortable with your counsellor. That sense of “this feels right” matters.
It’s okay to take your time finding someone who feels like a good fit for you. Sometimes, based on our conversation, I may even suggest another counsellor who has a different approach or specialism that might suit you better.
By the End of the First Session
By the end of your first counselling session, you’ll hopefully have a clearer sense of:
- What counselling involves
- How it might support you
- The practical side of working together
Most importantly, you should feel listened to and not judged.
How to Feel More at Ease Before Your First Session
It’s very common to feel nervous or unsure before your first counselling session.
You might be wondering what to say, or whether you’ll be able to explain things “properly”. The truth is, there’s no right or wrong way to begin.
You don’t need to have everything worked out beforehand. You can take your time, go at your own pace, and share only what feels comfortable. It’s also okay if it feels a little unfamiliar at first – that’s a natural part of starting something new.
Counselling is a space where you’re not being judged, you’re being heard.
If you’d like a broader sense of how counselling works beyond the first session, you can read more here: What Happens in Counselling sessions.
What Next?
If you’re thinking about starting counselling, or have any questions, you’re welcome to get in touch.
