WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST SESSION

Good therapy is all about collaboration between the two of us. When you come for your first appointment, the most important feeling to notice is whether you feel comfortable and safe in the environment. Consider if you feel  able to build trust in me as your  counsellor. The first few sessions are usually focused on getting to know each other. Setting therapeutic goals is important and I will help you to identify these. Read more about goal setting and having the end in mind here.

You will have been sent documents to read and sign prior to the first session which consist of  legal requirements pertaining to confidentiality. We will discuss these and any questions or concerns you have before we begin.

The first session is usually spent getting to know each other and during this time, I will gather information that will enable me to understand as much as I can about your life, your goals, and the things that are happening in your life right now that are affecting those goals.

We will discuss a flexible therapy plan and time frame that suits you. The  plan itself is tentative  and can easily change according to your preferences or evolving requirements. We will also talk about the ending of our work together  (read more) and how we will be able to recognise when you no longer need counselling. You can read about some of the therapeutic approaches I like to use, here. I select from these and others to suit each client’s individual needs and preferences.