Is Counselling Right for Me?

What is counselling and how can it help?

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Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. Your therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and of others. Your therapist will be impartial but understanding. They will listen to you without judgment and help you explore your thoughts and emotions. They may offer information, but they won’t tell you what you should think or do.

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Making that leap to the booking the first session can be a huge step and can feel daunting. We offer a free initial chat, usually around 15 minutes, online to meet each other first. If you choose to go ahead we endeavour to make it as relaxed and as welcoming an environment as possible.

First Session

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There are some important steps that we need to cover in the first session and therefore the first session can feel a little more structured than those going forward. The first session will include:

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• Introductions
  Your therapist will spend a few minutes introducing themselves and explaining how they work. You can ask them about their qualifications and experience, your therapy or anything you’re not sure about. It is your therapist's responsibility to make sure the session finishes on time.
   

• Assessment
  Your therapist may ask you if you would like to give a history of the problems you’re experiencing. They might want you to complete some forms, or go through information they’ve received about you, such as a letter from your GP. Or they may just ask you to ‘tell your story’. It’s important that you feel you’ve had the opportunity to tell the therapist about what’s troubling you.
   

• Contracting
  Your therapist should agree the terms, and contract in writing with you, about how they will provide their services. You will both have a copy of this to sign and take away.

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This first session is important for making sure that you feel comfortable with your therapist and their way of working. You don’t have to continue with a therapist if you can’t relate to them or don’t feel safe.  (BACP)

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