What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session

Once you’ve decided to step towards better wellness and seek therapy, there may be something helpful to know. Here are some ideas that might demystify the process for you. Once you have created a profile on our booking link and you are preparing for your counselling session, you may feel overwhelmed, anxious, discomfort, and perhaps even fearful. These are all normal emotions to experience before a session.  

Your therapist will go through some housekeeping and gain comfort in your understanding of informed consent and the limitations that govern privacy. If costs and fees weren't discussed prior, they may be discussed in the first session, and any cancellation policy specifics may be necessary.

Your therapist may walk you through the types of therapy they practise and how to book future sessions. An important part of the therapeutic process is for the therapist to understand what has brought you to therapy, what you’d like to achieve, if you’ve attended therapy in the past and what is currently happening in your life.

It’s common for therapists to take notes in a session with you for several reasons, which could be to note down important themes to revisit or for the therapist to answer any questions later.

Being open and transparent with your therapist is a valuable part of the process; however, you don’t have to share anything that you don’t feel comfortable sharing; going at your own pace is okay.

During the initial stages of your therapeutic journey, you may have questions about the therapeutic approach, the therapist’s specific process, or the techniques they use. It is common to be curious about what a typical session looks like and how long therapy may last.

In building your relationship with your therapist, some emotions rise to the surface; sometimes, these emotions can feel uncomfortable. Therapy is a unique environment, and for some, an unfamiliar one, talking about these feelings can help to release repressed feelings. Having these uncomfortable feelings is perfectly normal, and keeping an open mind to what could come up in session can be helpful in your healing journey.

If it’s possible, maintain curiosity during this onboarding process, and even take some time to congratulate yourself on committing to improving your wellness.