What Happens in Your First Counselling Session?

Thinking about a first counselling session can bring up all sorts of feelings. You might feel hopeful, nervous, uncertain or a mixture of everything. There is no particular way you are supposed to feel, and you do not need to prepare a polished account of your life.

It can help to think about what prompted you to make contact, even if the answer is simply that things have felt difficult lately. You may also want to jot down questions about how counselling works or what you would like to know before deciding whether to continue.

In an initial meeting, there is usually time to talk about what has brought you to counselling and what you hope might change. You can ask about the counsellor’s approach, practical arrangements and confidentiality. Some people have a clear issue in mind; others begin with a feeling they cannot quite name. Both are welcome starting points.

You choose what you feel ready to share. There is no expectation that you disclose every painful experience straight away. If a question feels difficult, you can say so. The first conversation can also help us consider whether my way of working feels right for you.

After an initial conversation, we can discuss whether to meet again and what you might want from the work. Counselling may be shorter term or longer term, depending on your needs and what we agree together. It is fine to take some time to think about it.

My approach is integrative, drawing on person-centred, psychodynamic and relational ways of working. That means I aim to pay attention to you as an individual, including what feels helpful and what does not. We can revisit your hopes for counselling as the work develops.

A brief message is enough to begin. You can tell me what has been happening in a few words, or simply ask a question about starting counselling. You do not have to work everything out before you reach out.

Learn more about the first meeting with a therapist on the BACP website.