What happens in your first counselling session?

The first counselling session is often a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty. Most people are not entirely sure what they are supposed to say, or how much detail is needed. That is completely normal.

In my practice, the first session is an assessment session, but I don’t mean that in a clinical or judgemental sense. It is simply a chance for us to meet, talk, and get a sense of whether working together might be helpful.

You might come with something specific you want to talk about, or you might not know where to start. Either is fine. We usually begin with what has brought you to therapy now, and then we follow that at your pace. There is no expectation to tell your whole life story.

I will also ask some gentle questions about your current situation, background, and what you are hoping for. This is not an interrogation — it is more about understanding context, so I can think with you about what might be useful.

Just as importantly, the first session is for you to get a sense of me and how I work. You might be wondering whether you feel comfortable, whether I am someone you can talk to, or whether this feels like the right fit. That sense matters.

By the end of the session, we will usually think together about next steps. That might be continuing, or it might be deciding that something else is more appropriate.

Starting therapy doesn’t have to feel certain. It often begins with a conversation, and a willingness to see how it feels to talk.