What Can I Expect From Counselling?

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Counselling offers a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, as well as any difficulties you may be experiencing. During counselling sessions, and outside of them, you are likely to reflect on the issues which have brought you to counselling, finding ways for you to move forward in a way that feels right for you. It can also help you to discover and develop a deeper understanding of who you are and what you might want or need. 

Making the decision to engage in counselling can feel like a big step. It is important to find a counsellor that you feel comfortable with. 

During your first counselling session you should expect to cover the following:
 

· Introductions. This should include the counsellor explaining how they work and allowing you time to ask any questions.

· Assessment. The counsellor will ask you questions related to what has brought you to therapy at this point in time. You may be asked to fill out some questionnaires. 

· Contracting. The counsellor should ensure that you are aware of and comfortable with their contract or working agreement. This may be completed verbally or in writing and will include things such as: confidentiality, times and dates for sessions, how your data will be held and how/when to contact the counsellor outside of sessions.
 

During your appointment you should feel that you are able to talk through your concerns that have brought you to counselling, to think together about what you might need, and decide upon whether and how you might want to use sessions moving forward.  
 

Counselling will involve speaking about difficult thoughts and feelings and so it is important to consider that you will not leave every session feeling better. Counselling is a process which can take time. It can call for hard work and commitment from both counsellor and client.