What to expect in my first Counselling/Therapy session?

Do I need to do anything in preparation for my first introduction session ?

Whether your first session is online, face to face or via telephone, it is perfectly natural to have some anxious feelings or some nervous energy. To help with this you may choose to write down some questions in advance for your therapist, these may range from issues that you wish to discuss to goals for the future. 

If you are feeling nervous, I encourage clients to share this so that I can help to put you at ease. I may ask what normally helps you and validate your feelings

What I give? A free Telephone Introduction session lasting 30minutes

The first session will be an introduction session which is free of charge, and it will be a chance to get to know one another and explore your reasons for wanting therapy. I usually enquire about your previous experiences of therapy and what support you currently have in your life.

As I work with both Adults and young people 11+ it may be a parent or caregiver that I am having the initial introduction call with.

If this is the case I will always encourage the young person to be involved in the first introduction session as it is important that they are not just launched straight into therapy with a stranger. I will also give time for a young person to be able to speak to me without the adult present if they wish to do so.

It is perfectly ok to take some time to decide whether you wish to go ahead as there might feel like there is a lot to consider and you may also wish to consider other therapists; all of this is ok.

Counselling Agreement and other information

If you choose to go ahead, I will send you out a Counselling Agreement via email outlining how Counselling works, confidentiality and its limitations etc, alongside a Contact form and information regarding GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) this explains how I store and use your data and gives you more control over your own personal data. 

If there are any questions regarding the Counselling Agreement or the other documents the second session can be a chance to talk this through and potentially make any amendments, it is important that you are part of this collaborative process. Or alternatively you may email before the next session.

Availability and Timings of sessions

If possible, I try to arrange therapy on the same day and at the same time and agree to usually weekly sessions or fortnightly lasting 60 minutes. However, I can offer some flexibility as I appreciate people have different commitments and working patterns. I also offer one off sessions for previous clients.

How might I feel after the introduction session?

You may come away feeling relieved, hopeful or potentially unsettled. It is important you give yourself time to process what was discussed. Some people may have already booked in for the first session, others may need time for reflection, there is no right or wrong answer.

You may choose to try other therapists too, this is ok, therapy is relational, getting the right fit for you is key to successful therapy.

Therapy can bring up strong emotions, you may also experience feeling tired or restless, this is common.

What happens after the Introduction session?

Whether its online or face to face there will be a warm welcome for your first actual therapy session. If it is face to face, then I will come greet you at the door and show you to your room.

I like to offer a drink (tea/coffee/cold drink) there can be something comforting and welcoming in this offer, or you may choose to bring your own drink of choice. Whilst I wouldn’t normally eat during a session, if you need a snack then by all means bring one, food may be something that helps to regulate your nervous system.

You may have some questions around the Counselling Agreement and the other information that has been sent and want to talk this though. Clarity around contracting and being clear can be helpful to maintain strong working bonds, ethical boundaries and help alleviate confusion in the future.

Some clients, especially younger clients may appreciate an ice breaker or something that helps us ease in and get to know one another, these may include, therapeutic cards, Jenga with questions on them etc.

If you choose to work creatively, we can look at and plan things in for future sessions. Creativity is always a choice and not compulsory I always follow your lead. 

Other clients may wish to get straight into their goals or a focus, this too is ok, there are no rules, I am led by yourself.

I will hold the time for you and make sure we don’t run over. I give a gentle reminder when we have around ten minutes to go. Usually in the last ten minutes we will confirm our next session and whether you would like a text or email reminder, this can be helpful if timings are something you struggle with.

Towards the end I will usually give a summary of themes and topics covered and we can reflect together on what has been helpful/unhelpful.

If a first session with me sounds like something you want to try? Contact me on my website lisanorfolkcounsellling.com or via email lisanorfolkcounselling@gmail.com