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You've been thinking you might benefit from counselling for a while now but it feels scary to finally book in that session - sound familiar? Not sure what to expect from counselling? If so, you're not alone.

On one hand you feel hopeful for the growth and change that might be waiting but on the other the idea of being vulnerable with a stranger seems too much. This can feel even more overwhelming when you haven't had counselling before and are not sure of what happens or what to expect.

I completely understand how you are feeling - I have been there myself. So, I have put together 5 things that you can expect from the first session when you book with me.

A Safe and Confidential Space

This is the foundation upon which all counselling takes place. You will find a non-judgemental space where you can process your thoughts, feelings and experiences. A safe space means that you are treated with respect and that we work at your pace, starting where you want to start.

A common misconception about counselling is that you have to unpack your whole life story in the first session. You really don't - simply choose the most pressing concern you want help with and we can start from there. I find that as the counselling journey progresses, the story will unfold as it needs to. You will know what you need to share and when.

Everything you share with me in counselling is confidential. I am required to keep case notes of our sessions and may take brief notes in session. These are de-identified and stored securely separate from any personal information collected on intake.

There are a few well defined legal and ethical limits to confidentiality that I need to comply with. These will be clearly explained to you at the start of the first session.

Genuine Listening and Understanding

I believe that healing begins once we feel genuinely seen, heard and understood and valued. This requires a genuine human connection with someone who is listening to understand not fix problems. You can expect to be heard, validated and supported as you share your story at your own pace.

The feeling of being understood and that your story matters can bring clarity and relief from the burdens you are carrying.

Clarity and Self-Discovery

Counselling helps you gain insight into your thoughts, feelings and patterns of behaviour. It can help you make meaning of life experiences. Before beginning counselling, these can feel like an overwhelming tangled mess leaving you at a loss as to where to even start. I like to describe it like a ball of tangled wall and being unable to find the end.

Counselling helps you tease out all the mess and confusion and helps you find clarity as you begin to join the dots. You will come to understand yourself better, leading to greater confidence, empowerment in decisions and facilitating the change you desire.

Tools and Strategies for Growth

At the appropriate time during the counselling journey, you can expect to be introduced to practical tools and strategies that you can apply to bring change and growth. This is where the real work happens in counselling and being integrative means I adapt how I work with you to suit your individual needs. Are you are cognitive type of person? - then we can use cognitive based tools. Are you much more experiential? - we will use tools that suit. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. If it's not tailored to you, its unlikely to be effective.

A Collaborative Relationship

We work together as a team. You set the pace and direction of the journey and I help you along the way to achieve your goals and desired change and growth. This doesn't mean I'm passive - you are paying for a professional service after all that you want value from. I add my skills and training to your story to enable you to get to places you may not get to by yourself. This means that I will invite you to consider, apply and participate in tools and strategies that may be helpful. I will always seek to empower you through choice while aiming for us to work as team built on mutual trust.

A Final Thought:

Information often helps to alleviate fears. My hope is that these few points may have helped you feel more confident to reach out for help with whatever you have been carrying alone.

Another reason people hesitate is because of bad past experiences. Don't let this stop you from getting the support you need. Not all counsellors are the same or work the same way. Some you just won't gel with and that's fine - we are all humans and no one gets along with everybody. Do your research and keep trying until you find the right support for you.

If you think I may be right for you, I'd love for you to reach out or book a session. I would be honoured to work with you.

If you're still not quite ready, I'd love to hear what is stopping you from booking in that first session - leave a comment about what's holding you back.

Book a session with me here: https://twosparrowscounselling.com.au/book