Firstly, I offer a free 20 minute phone call which I would really encourage you to ask for, especially if you have never had counselling before. This is where we can break the ice a little bit and you can ask me any questions you might have – though it’s absolutely ok if you don’t have any.
I will take the lead on this if that’s easier for you and tell you a little about me and how I work as a counsellor. You are also very welcome to tell me a little bit about yourself and how you have found yourself at my door. This is when we can both get a first impression and see how we might feel about meeting face to face and working together.
If I don’t feel like I am the right counsellor for you, I will let you know as I have your very best interests at heart and I want to ensure you are in the right hands for what you are experiencing.
Equally, please do feel comfortable telling me if you didn’t feel like I am the right fit. That is totally ok. We are all different people and we all need different things.
If we both feel confident that we will work well together then we’ll schedule our first 50-minute session. Coming to this first session may feel a little strange. You are likely to feel nervous and unsure of what to expect – please don't worry - this is normal. I promise I will do my best to help you feel safe and comfortable and at ease.
Here you can again ask anything that may have come up since we last spoke and we will go through some important paperwork together where I can tell you about confidentiality, data protection and the practical side of our sessions such as how to make a payment and cancellation terms. Then, at your own pace, you can tell me more about why you are here. And together we will start to explore this.