What to expect at your first session

I understand that not knowing what to expect can create a lot of anxiety. I still remember the dread I felt walking into my first session, so I want to give you a clear, gentle sense of how things usually unfold, helping to soften any worry or uncertainty you may be holding.

When you arrive, you can park directly outside. I’ll come out to meet you and walk with you to my therapy room. The space itself is calm, warm and intentionally simple, a quiet room where you can settle into a comfortable chair, take a breath and ease into the moment.

There’s always water, tissues, and a few gentle sensory items available if you find them grounding. We take a moment to arrive together, rather than diving straight in.

At the start, I’ll spend a few minutes gently walking you through some simple practical information—things like confidentiality, boundaries, session fees, cancellations and the legal responsibilities I hold to keep you safe.

This is simply a clear, transparent outline of what you can expect from me and what helps our work together remain safe, respectful and grounded.

All of this is included in a short counsellor / client working agreement, which you’re welcome to take away and read in your own time. If you have any questions or need anything clarified, you can ask at any poin, I’m always happy to explain things further.

If you decide you’d like to continue, you can bring the agreement with you to your next session and we can sign it together. If it would feel helpful, I can also share this with you beforehand.

After that, I’ll invite you to begin wherever feels easiest for you. Some people start by sharing what has brought them to therapy, others begin with how they’re feeling in that moment but there’s no right or wrong place to begin.

I will hold the space gently and support you in finding your way into the conversation at your own pace, meeting you wherever you begin.

Towards the end of the session, we’ll check in together, how the session has felt, any reflections you may have and whether working together feels right for you. There is absolutely no pressure to continue after the first session.

Therapy is a deeply personal journey and it’s important that the fit feels comfortable and safe.

If you decide it isn’t the right space for you, that’s completely okay. You’re welcome to tell me in the moment or afterwards and I can suggest trusted colleagues who may be a better fit.

What matters most is that you find the right therapeutic home to support your journey in finding your headspace.