What to Expect When You Begin Counselling
My approach is humanistic, which means we focus on you, your experiences, and your feelings. I believe every person has the capacity to grow, understand themselves, and find solutions that work for their life.
In our sessions, I listen deeply, reflect what I hear, and support you in uncovering insights and making changes that feel right for you. You guide the pace, and I create a safe, non-judgmental environment for exploration.
Counselling is a collaborative process. We work together to explore what’s brought you here, whether that’s a specific difficulty or a general sense that something isn’t quite right. There’s no pressure to have clear answers — just space to be honest, curious, and compassionate with yourself as understanding unfolds over time.
I’m particularly interested in how earlier relationships and life experiences can shape how we feel about ourselves, others, and the world, and how these patterns can be understood and gently worked with in therapy.
What happens in the first session?
Your first session is a chance to get to know each other and understand what brings you to counselling. We’ll talk about your goals, what you’d like to explore, and how counselling can support you. This will be the focus of most of the session.
At the start, I will briefly explain how confidentiality is kept between us, and the limits to that. We will both commit to the length of sessions, how they are booked and how to cancel if you can’t make it.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear idea of the next steps and whether you feel comfortable continuing.
Interested in starting counselling but not sure?
It’s completely normal to feel a little nervous about starting counselling. The first session is a gentle way to begin — there’s no pressure to say anything before you’re ready.
Our time together is about creating a safe, private space where you can talk openly and feel heard without judgement. In this first meeting, I’ll invite you to share a little about what’s brought you to counselling and what you hope to get from it. You don’t need to have everything worked out — many people simply know that something doesn’t feel right and want some space to explore it.
I’ll also explain how counselling works, including confidentiality and what you can expect from me. We can talk about what you might find helpful, and you’re welcome to ask any questions about the process.
By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer sense of how we might work together and whether this feels like the right fit for you. There’s no obligation to continue — it’s entirely your choice.
Will you be able to help me?
It’s a completely understandable question, and one many people ask before they get in touch. I can’t promise a particular outcome, and no honest therapist can. What I can tell you is that I’m a qualified counsellor, and I’ll offer you a confidential, unhurried space where you’re listened to without judgement. Research consistently shows that the quality of the relationship between client and counsellor is one of the biggest factors in whether counselling helps.
The first session is a chance for us both to see whether we’re a good fit. You can ask me anything, and there’s no obligation to continue. If I think someone else would be better placed to support you, I’ll say so honestly and help you find them.
Do your clients find a solution to their problems?
Many people find that counselling brings real change, though not always in the way they first expect. I don’t hand out solutions or tell people what to do. Instead, we work together to understand what’s going on, and from there you can find your own way forward. For some people that means a clear decision or a different way of handling a situation. For others it means feeling less overwhelmed, less alone, or more at ease with themselves.
Everyone’s experience is different, and the work takes time and commitment from both of us, so I can’t promise a particular outcome. What I can offer is a confidential, supportive space to explore what matters to you, at your own pace.
I tried counselling before and it didn’t help.
If you’ve tried counselling before and it didn’t help, that’s worth talking about. Fit matters, and different approaches suit different people. In our first session you’re welcome to tell me what worked or didn’t, so we can see whether I’m the right person for you.
How often are the counselling sessions and how many will I need?
To get the most benefit from therapy, once a week is usual. If time or finance are limited I would suggest having two or three sessions once a week and then move to twice a week. Some clients come for just one session - that might suit you if you are wanting help thinking through something. I have a self-booking system which gives you the flexibility to set your own pace.
Are the number of sessions limited?
No. If you would prefer a set number of sessions, please let me know.
