Have you been thinking about going to counselling? Are you struggling with your issues alone and feel the need to reach out to speak to someone?
Maybe you are unsure what counselling will be like?
Read on for advice on what to expect from your first counselling session aswell as helpful questions to ask your counsellor.
Nerves before first session
Feeling nervous before attending counselling for the first time is completely natural and I am speaking from personal experience! Reaching out for assistance shows both vulnerability and strength and shows that you are ready to make a change in your life.
Some people feel unsure where to start when speaking with a counsellor and really there is no right or wrong place- a counselling session is a safe space for us to explore together at your own pace. Opening up and revealing what has been going on in your life with a counsellor who is a stranger can be easier as I have no previous knowledge of your life and am non-judgemental, empathic and accept and value you as you are.
The counselling room is an opportunity for you to be you and to take off the mask we often wear in life to pretend everything is perfect.
Feeling unsure of what to expect
At Discover You Counselling, if you are interested in booking a session, together we will organise a free 15 minute chat on the phone to introduce ourselves and briefly discuss your need for counselling. On this call, we speak about the location and cost and decide on a suitable time and date for a first counselling session. If an individual wishes to receive further information about counselling I can send this on by email.
What happens in the first session?
In a first counselling session, it is an opportunity to get to know each other and see if you and I can work well together. The relationship built between a client and counsellor is of huge importance and can impact the quality of work which happens.
An intake form will be completed aswell as a counselling contract discussing confidentiality, cancellation policy, payment and session length. Here I can answer any queries or concerns a client may have.
Some information will be gathered in this first session including further discussion of the motivation for reaching out for counselling and the goals the client wishes to achieve.
As a counsellor, I endeavour to help my clients feel comfortable and heard in the counselling space and go at their own pace aware that sharing your innermost thoughts can be a difficult time which will hopefully become easier with my support.
My Approach to Counselling
My aim is to walk alongside you for part of your journey, support you and explore goals and solutions to issues while seeking to improve communication and coping skills. Counselling provides an opportunity to explore feelings, beliefs and behaviours and to identify aspects that individuals would like to change.
I am an integrative counsellor combining many models of therapy to suit each clients individual needs including Attachment Theory, Internal Family Systems Theory and Psychodynamic Theory.
Areas I cover include but are not limited to Anxiety and Depression - Relationship difficulties - Personal Development - Life changes - Bereavement and Loss - Trauma.
How long will you need counselling?
As everyone is unique, the number of counselling sessions really depends on the individual and their needs and requirements. When dealing with something as complex as our mind and emotions, counselling is not a quick fix and it often takes time to get to the root of our issues.
As a counsellor, I am interested in helping people make significant changes that will last a lifetime and not only stop experiencing their distressing symptoms, but have a greater awareness into their emotional world. I aim to assist people in changing unhelpful behaviours, ideas, relational patterns, and the ability to experience and express emotions differently.
What to ask your counsellor?
At Discover You Counselling, I see counselling as a collabrative process and there really are no silly questions so feel free to express any queries or concerns you may have.
Helpful questions can include asking your counsellor about their counselling approach or how long have they been practicing, is there anything you can read in between sessions or tools you would be open to using such as journalling, meditation or breathing exercises.
Is the counsellor right for me?
Last but possibly the most important point is the need for a strong connection with your counsellor. Having a good therapeutic relationship has been shown to be crucial to the success of therapy, it just means that you should feel comfortable talking with them. Keep in mind this might not happen straight away, maybe give it 2-3 sessions. I am a big believer in trusting our gut and instincts and this is true when choosing a counsellor.
To check if the counsellor is right for you, ask yourself these questions:
Do they challenge you?
Do you feel heard?
Do they guide you to your goals?
Do they help you to understand your emotions and behavioual patterns?
Do they show acceptance and compassion?
Do they give you space and time to work things out by yourself?
If the answer to any of these is no, talk to your counsellor about your concerns.
Remember, being open with your counsellor in how you feel is key to progress in the counselling process.
Thanks for reading,
Maggie
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