Counselling - what to expect at your first session.

Reaching out to a counsellor and then going along to your first counselling session can feel slightly scary or overwhelming for some people, so I thought that I’d write a few words that may offer some reassurance.

Finding and parking at my counselling room…First things first, my counselling room easy to find; whether that’s by car, on foot or by bus. There’s no need for any anxiety about that. I will give you clear directions and there is always space to park. If you want to come by bus, the 370 and the 370 pass the end of my road from Huddersfield town centre.

Getting into the building….When you arrive I’ll come and show you the way to my counselling rooms….which is a calm haven. Then, you can sit back in one of my comfortable chairs…and breathe.

Before we start the counselling journey….From the moment we meet I’m focused on helping you to settle, relax and feel at ease. We’ll talk for a while before getting some paperwork that needs to be done in the first counselling session done. I’ll ask you to complete a short registration form and we’ll spend some time talking through a simple one-page counselling agreement; to make sure we share an understanding and expectations about the counsellor-client relationship and how it works. You’ll also be left feeling reassured in knowing that what you talk to me about is in confidence. I’ll then ask you 10 simple questions to assess how you’ve been over the last week or so.

And then….There’s probably about 30-40 minutes left of the first counselling session and I’ll ask you to talk to me about what’s brought you through the counselling door…and we’ll take it from there. You’ll lead the way and I’ll try to understand your world and experience.

I’m a fully qualified, BACP registered counsellor and if you’d like to get in touch, please click here.