What if the scariest part about starting therapy isn’t the session itself but the anticipation building in your mind right now?
What will we talk about?
Our first session is your opportunity to talk about yourself and ask any questions you might have. Areas we are likely to discuss include:
- What brings you to therapy
- Your interests and work
- Your relationships and family life
- Significant life events
- Your childhood
Will there be any paperwork?
A little. I will have already sent you our contract after our initial contact. The contract outlines:
- How we will work together
- Confidentiality
- Data protection
- What to do in the event of a cancellation
- Other logistical information
During our first session, I will go through our contract for working together. There is no pressure to read this information yourself. I’m happy to do this for you. You are welcome to ask questions and seek clarification at any point during our work together.
Is it normal to feel nervous?
Absolutely. It’s natural to feel apprehensive, even vulnerable, before your first session. After all, you’re coming to therapy to talk with a stranger about issues that are probably very close to your heart. For some people, this will be the first time that they have ever opened up to anyone about what’s really troubling them.
What if I get it wrong?
There is no right and wrong in therapy. Our sessions will provide you with a space to feel heard, without judgement. I know that taking the first step into therapy is daunting and that in doing so, you are brave. Try to be open and honest and don’t forget that I am bound by strict confidentiality and ethical guidelines to protect your privacy and wellbeing.
What happens after our first session?
You will know whether you feel comfortable and safe with me. If you think we are a good fit and you’re happy to go ahead, I’ll ask you to sign the contract.
After our first session, you may feel unsettled. Again, this is completely normal. Try to remember that sometimes in counselling we need to feel this way before we feel better. Give yourself time to process whatever has been explored and be kind to yourself.