What to expect in your first session
What to expect in your first therapy session
I know starting counselling or psychotherapy can be daunting for some, especially if this is your first time reaching out. TV and Film portrayals of therapy can be mixed and in my opinion not often accurate so read on to find out what actually happens in the first couple of times we speak.
Initial Phone call
When you get in touch for the first time I will get back to you offering a few available slots for an initial phone call. This call will last around 20 minutes, is free of charge and there is no obligation to book any further sessions or make up your mind immediately. The main idea here is that I get a picture of what you are looking for and you get a picture of what I can offer, we can then both make an informed decision if we are going to be a good fit.
Some questions I may ask;
Have you had any previous experience of counselling?
What are the main issues you would like to look at?
What would you like to get out of the sessions?
Who is in your support network?
I will then go on to explain the process, including frequency, length and price of sessions * and give you my current availability. You will of course have chance to ask any questions you may have and then we can book in a first session or you can get back to me later after you’ve had chance to think.
*information on this can be found in my FAQ’s
The first session
We will meet together at the agreed time in either my therapy room (24 New Street), online or in the walk and talk location agreed. We will take some time to talk through the Therapy Agreement, something I feel is very important to set some boundaries and expectations of our work together. Some of the subjects we will cover are confidentiality, endings, professional boundaries and commitments to the work. I believe one of the most important elements for good therapy to take place is being secure in the process and the relationship and taking some time to introduce a safe, ethical way of working lays a good foundation for fruitful progress to happen.
We will talk about how you’re feeling about this beginning, you may be nervous or apprehensive or you may be eager to leap straight in, either way is fine and we can explore together what that feels like.
Your story
Some clients like to leap straight in with their story (life story or just the event that has brought them here) others need a bit more time to build the trust and safety in the relationship which is absolutely fine. The important thing to understand about Person-centred counselling is that you take the lead, when you are ready, we will begin, when you are ready to explore at greater depth I will be there beside you.
I often think if non-directive therapy as a walk in the woods. We will enter the woods side by side, you will point out a path we could go down, I will take your hand (metaphorically) and offer to go down that path with you (asking questions to gain deeper understanding), if that path looks a bit dark to you or too covered with branches and weeds for today we can go ahead and choose another one, OR if you are feeling strong enough to chop down some branches, dig up some weeds and clear the path I will be by your side with the trowel and secateurs… get my drift?
All that to say my role is to be a curious, caring and compassionate companion on your journey, an aid to going deeper, to gain greater understanding and perhaps leading to an acceptance or integration of your past experiences. However the client must always have agency to choose the path.
We will end the first session with a short summary and agree when we will meet again to continue on our journey.
Any questions at all about the first session or the process in general just get in touch for a chat.
susanvieira5@gmail.com