Your First Session: Everything you need to know before we meet
Your First Session: What to Expect
Your first session lasts 50 minutes and offers a safe, supportive space to begin talking openly and feeling heard.
We’ll start by getting to know each other—exploring what has brought you to therapy, your personal experiences and what you would like to gain from our work together.
I’ll explain how I work, answer any questions you may have and together we can think about how best to shape our sessions going forward.
There’s no pressure to have everything figured out before you begin—you are welcome to come exactly as you are. The aim is simply to begin, at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Sessions
Each session begins with a gentle check-in, giving you space to arrive and share what is present for you that day.
From there, we focus on what feels most important—whether it’s a specific situation, an emotion or something you’ve been reflecting on. Together, we explore your experiences at a pace that feels comfortable and meaningful.
We’ll end each session with a moment to pause, reflect and consider any insights or next steps, helping you leave the session feeling more grounded and supported.
There is no "right" way to begin.
Choosing to begin therapy—or to return to it—is an important and often courageous step. It can mean you are ready to explore your experiences with honesty, curiosity and compassion.
You do not need to have everything figured out, and there is no need for perfect words. What matters is simply a willingness to begin, one step at a time.
If you have had a difficult experience with therapy in the past, we can take time to understand that too—moving at a pace that feels safe and right for you.
Questions You May Have Before Starting
Q1: What if I feel nervous?
Feeling nervous before starting therapy is very common. We can go at your pace.
Q2: Do I have to talk about everything straight away?
No. You only need to share what feels manageable. Therapy can begin wherever you are.
Q3: What happens in the first session?
We will talk about what has brought you to therapy, what you would like support with, and whether working together feels like the right fit.
Q4: What if I’m not sure what I need?
That’s okay. Many people start therapy without knowing exactly what they want. We can explore this together.
Q5: Can I stop therapy at any time?
Yes. You are not locked in. We can review how therapy is going as we work together.
What Happens Next?
What happens after your consultation?
If, following our complimentary consultation, we decide to work together, I'll guide you through the next steps before your first appointment.
You'll receive an email confirming your session, along with everything you need to get started, including your Therapy Agreement, Privacy Notice, Online Intake Form and payment information.
Completing these before your first session allows us to focus our time together on you, rather than paperwork. If you have any questions along the way, I'm always happy to help.
