Starting counselling can feel like a big step. Many people feel nervous before their first session, and they might feel vulnerable or exposed in opening up to a professional. This guide is here to help you feel more comfortable and at ease.
What sort of Counselling do you provide?
My approach is based in Integrative counselling is a flexible, person-centred approach to therapy. Rather than using just one method, integrative counselling draws from different therapeutic models to meet your individual needs. This means the sessions are tailored to you — your experiences, goals, and what feels most helpful.
Integrative counselling see you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms, and it can help you make sense of anxiety, trauma, depression, or unhelpful patterns in your relationships.
Before Your First Session
There is no need to prepare anything specific before your first session. Some people like to reflect on what’s brought them to therapy or make notes to discuss, while others prefer to see what naturally comes up in the session — both are completely okay.
You might find it helpful to:
• Think about what’s not been working for you recently
• Notice any patterns you’d like support with
• Think about goals- what would you like out of your therapy sessions?
Every session is confidential, and your therapist will explain how confidentiality works before you begin.
What Happens During the First Counselling Session?
Your first session is about getting to know each ensuring you feel safe and heard.
You can expect:
• A warm welcome and time to settle in
• An explanation of how counselling works and how you can use your time in therapy
• Space to talk about what’s been going on for you, at your own pace
• Gentle questions to help your therapist understand your experiences and goals
There’s no pressure to share everything straight away. You’re always in control of what you talk about, and it’s completely normal if you feel unsure or emotional.
After the Session
Toward the end of the session, you’ll have time to reflect together on how it felt and discuss next steps. This might include deciding whether ongoing counselling feels right for you, talking about possible goals, and discussing session frequency. Talk to your therapist honestly about your feelings.
Taking the First Step
Beginning counselling is an act of self-care, and it’s a brave one. If you’re considering counselling in Norwich or online, I offer a free discovery call to figure out if I am the right therapist for you.
