Beginning Our Journey Together: What to Expect from Your First Session
Taking the first step towards therapy can feel both hopeful and daunting. Reaching out for support is a courageous act, and it’s natural to feel unsure about what to expect. My aim is to make the process as clear, gentle, and supportive as possible, so you feel safe and understood from the very beginning.
First Contact
Our journey together usually begins with a simple email from you. You might contact me through my website, the BACP directory, or one of the counselling platforms I am registered with. I know that sending that first message can take a lot of courage, so I do my best to reply within 24 hours, to reassure you that your voice has been heard.
Initial Consultation
From there, I offer you a free 30-minute online consultation, or, if I have availability, an in-person consultation at a reduced fee of £25. This first meeting is a gentle space for us to connect. You’ll have the chance to share what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping for, and I’ll explain how I work as an integrative humanistic counsellor.
This isn’t about pressure or commitment—it’s about giving you the time and space to see if working together feels right for you. If we both feel a sense of connection, we can then arrange a time to begin sessions.
Finding a Rhythm
When starting therapy, I usually encourage weekly sessions at first. Meeting regularly can help us get to know each other better and create a steady foundation for your journey. However, I fully understand that life can be complex, so we will always work at a pace and rhythm that feels manageable for you.
Sometimes, it may become clear that a more specialised form of support would serve you better. If that happens, I will be honest and supportive, and where possible, help connect you to the right therapist for your needs.
Preparing for Our First Session
Once we agree to begin, I’ll send you my client and privacy agreements. These documents explain how I work and the ways I protect your confidentiality. I invite you to look through them in your own time and bring along any questions—nothing is too small to ask.
The First Session
When we meet for our first full session, we’ll begin by going through the agreements together, making sure you feel clear and comfortable before moving forward. I’ll then spend a short time (around 15 minutes) learning a little more about your background and what feels most important to you right now. After that, the rest of the session is yours—a space for you to share what feels present and meaningful.