What Happens After I Reach Out?

It can be daunting and stressful to start therapy and to meet with a new therapist. Knowing what to expect can make a huge difference and give you the time to prepare and manage your expectations.

20 minute Consultation Phone Call

Prior to our first session I offer a free 20 minute phone or video call which is a chance to get a sense of each other with no pressure of committing to further sessions.

This phone call is semi-structured which means I ask everyone the same questions but with room for adjustments if needed.

• Check name and pronouns and age

• Ask whether the client is available, alone and able to speak freely for 20 minutes.

• What made you reach out? Why now?

• What drew you to me as a potential counsellor?

• What type of support are you looking for?

• Do you have any disabilities and/or access needs you would like me to know about?

• Do you have any questions for me?

• End of phone call check in and grounding.

• Explaining of next steps to start therapy and arrangement of the first session.

First Session

The first session is a time where we set the stage for our future sessions, it is a time where we discuss the various responsibilities and boundaries. It is also a time for us to address any access needs you might have and for you to familiarise yourself with the room/zoom interface. It is an opportunity for you to express your expectations and needs within the therapy process and for me to share my approach and way of working.

Following this we have the remainder of the session to explore what brought you into counselling and what you hope to gain from it. The first few sessions are a time of getting to know each other and to find a comfortable rhythm within our encounter.

I don't expect you to share every thing with me from the start, you can take your time with how much you share. But equally if you feel the need to just get something off your chest there is space for this too. This is your process and I will go at your pace.

In the last 5 minutes of the session I usually offer a check in to ground our selves back and to give you a chance to share your experience of the session.

After Your First Session

It is very common to leave the session and feel a bit frazzled or spacey and therefore what you do after the session can be equally important to what you did during it. Even seemingly "small" sessions take a lot of emotional, cognitive and physical energy and so eating and drinking something after is crucial, if you are commuting walking/driving slowly might be necessary. If possible, giving yourself time to arrive back into the out-side world can be very helpful.

This is a big first step, be proud of what you did, honour the effort it took and take care of your self as best you can after.

*See my emotional regulation blog for some further sugestions and support.