WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST SESSION
Building a therapeutic relationship
Good therapy is all about collaboration between us. When you come for your first appointment, notice if you feel comfortable and safe in the environment. It’s essential to determine whether you can build trust in me as your counsellor. The initial sessions typically focus on getting to know each other and setting a flexible therapy plan tailored to your needs. Identifying therapeutic goals is vital, and I will help you establish these through effective talk therapy. Read more about goal setting and having the end in mind here.
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Ethical and legal obligations
You will receive documents to read and sign before your first session, which include legal requirements regarding confidentiality. We will discuss these during your initial appointment and address any questions or concerns you may have as we begin our journey together in talk therapy. My aim as your counsellor is to create a safe space for open dialogue and trust.
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Gathering information and planning future sessions
The first session is typically spent getting to know each other. During this time, I will gather information to understand your life, your goals, and the current challenges affecting those goals.
We will discuss a flexible therapy plan and timeframe that suits you, ensuring it accommodates your needs. The plan is tentative and can easily adapt to your preferences or evolving requirements. We will also address how we will recognise when you no longer need counselling. You can read more about the ending of our work together (read more) and explore some of the therapeutic approaches I like to use here. I select from these and other methods to create a tailored experience in talk therapy that meets each client’s individual needs and preferences.