What Happens in Your First Counselling Session
Updated: Sep 26
If you have never been to counselling before, the not knowing what to expect can be its own kind of stressful. Here is a straightforward, honest picture of what actually happens.
Before you book anything
You don't need to know exactly what's wrong, or have the right words for it, before you get in touch. A free 30-minute consultation comes first, either in person in Point Chevalier or online, and it exists for exactly this reason: a relaxed, no-pressure conversation to see if working together feels like a good fit, for both of us.
What happens in the first full session
We'll start by talking about what's brought you here, in whatever amount of detail feels comfortable. There's no requirement to have a tidy story ready. Some people arrive with a very clear issue in mind. Others just know something feels off and aren't sure why yet. Both are a completely normal place to start.
From there, we'll talk about what you'd like to get out of our time together, and go at whatever pace feels right for you. Sessions run for 50 minutes, and nothing is rushed to fit a formula.
What it feels like
A first session is often part conversation, part getting a sense of each other. It's completely normal to feel a little nervous. Most people do. Part of my role in that first meeting is simply to make the space feel less unfamiliar, so you can focus on what actually brought you in.
After the session
If it feels like a good fit, we'll talk about what ongoing sessions might look like, at a pace that works for you, whether that's weekly, fortnightly, or something else entirely. If it doesn't feel right, that's alright too. You're never locked into anything, and to cancel or reschedule, all it takes is a message at least 24 hours ahead.
Sessions are available in person at Tāhi Medical Centre in Point Chevalier, online across New Zealand, and in español if that's easier for you.
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