New to counselling? Here's what to expect...

What is Counselling?

Counselling is a talking therapy—a space where you can openly discuss your thoughts, feelings, and challenges in a supportive and understanding environment. It’s not about being given quick solutions or having someone “fix” things for you; rather, it’s a collaborative process where we work together to explore your concerns and find ways to help you move forward.

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Many people come to counselling with the expectation that one session will be enough to solve everything, but real change takes time. Think of counselling as a journey, not a quick fix. Some issues may require deeper exploration, while others might involve learning new coping strategies or shifting unhelpful thought patterns.

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My role as a counsellor is to listen without judgment, offer insights, and equip you with practical tools to help you navigate life’s challenges. I don’t have all the answers—but together, we can find the right approach for you.

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What to Expect in Our First Session

I’m so glad you’re considering starting your counselling journey with me. If you’re feeling a bit unsure about what to expect, don’t worry—that’s completely normal. Here’s how our first session will go:

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We’ll start with an open, relaxed conversation where I’ll get to know a little about you and what has brought you to counselling. There’s no pressure to share everything all at once—this is your space, and we’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

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I’ll explain how counselling works, what our sessions might look like, and share a bit about my approach so we can start building that all-important connection. We’ll also talk about confidentiality—how I handle your information and the rare circumstances where I may need to share something (such as if someone’s safety is at risk). My priority is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and supported.

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During this session, I’ll ask some questions to understand more about your life, experiences, and any challenges you’re facing. This might involve exploring your past, what’s happening for you right now, and what you hope to gain from counselling.

Together, we’ll start setting some goals for your journey. These goals will help guide our sessions and give us something to work towards. But remember—this is your process, and we’ll tailor it to your needs.

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By the end of our session, we’ll put together a plan that outlines how often we’ll meet, what areas we’ll focus on, and the strategies we might use to support you. Counselling isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about building long-term emotional resilience and self-awareness.

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Above all, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions, concerns, or just need reassurance about the process, please don’t hesitate to ask.

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Your journey starts here, and I’m honoured to walk alongside you.