Feeling nervous about your first counselling session? It's completely normal to feel apprehensive, but I've written this blog to hopefully put your mind at ease and to provide you with a sense of what to expect. First of all. What should you ask your therapist before you choose one!
Questions to ask your therapist before your first session
There are thousands of counsellors in the UK so what should you ask. Usually a counsellor will offer you an intro call or zoom call so you can explain what you are seeking help for. Here are a few questions you may want to ask.
Ask about your counsellor's approach. How do they work?
What is their experience in seeing clients with your issues or goals from counselling. You will have probably noticed there are many counsellors to choose from. We all have our own specialities. and our different ways of working. Find out more and see what resonates and clicks with you.
And obviously the practicalities. The timeslots available. What to do when you arrive? Ask about the sickness and holiday policy. Some counsellors are strict and have clear boundaries. It's really important honest with each other from the outset.
it's important to find a therapist who understands your unique perspective and experiences. Above all trust your instinct. I'd always recommend speaking to at least three counsellors.
So now you have chosen a counsellor what can you expect ahgt
During our first session together, we'll cover a few key topics. We may start by discussing the reason why you reached out to me in the first place. This could be a specific event or feeling that you're struggling with. It may be that you find yourself tearful at work and not really knowing why or what to do. You could find yourself giving yourself a hard time with a highly critical voice or you may find yourself feeling angry and taking it out on your family and friends. We'll explore what's going on for you.
We'll talk about your goals for counselling. What are you hoping to achieve? Maybe you want to work through a particular issue or develop better coping skills. It may be that you want to uncover why you think and feel the way you do, Or you want some coping strategies to deal with them.
If you've had counselling in the past, we'll discuss your previous experiences as well. This can help us identify what worked for you before and what didn't, so I can tailor my approach accordingly.
I'm an integrative counsellor, which means that I draw on a variety of therapeutic techniques and modalities to help my clients. I'll explain my approach in more detail during our first session, but the most important thing is that we work together to achieve your goals.
Remember, you're in control: It's your first session, and you're in charge of the pace and direction. I'm here to guide you, listen to you, and support you, but it's up to you to decide what you want to share and when. The first session is an opportunity for you to get to know me and decide if I'm the right fit for you.
The admin...
Of course, there's some paperwork to go over as well. We'll review the contract together to ensure that we're both on the same page about how we'll work together. And don't worry - confidentiality is a top priority. Anything you share with me will be kept strictly confidential, except in rare circumstances where your safety or the safety of others may be at risk.
I hope this helps alleviate some of your nerves about your first counselling session. Remember, I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's work together to help you achieve your goals and improve your mental health.
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