Taking the first step: a supportive guide to beginning counselling

I wish I had found Anita earlier, she’s like a supportive, intelligent friend

So you found my social media page or website and something feels right about working with me. I know that the first contact can feel really hard, a step into the unknown, so I’m writing this to shed some light on those next steps, to hopefully make them a little easier.

A good way to take that first step is to book a free call to speak to me, to get a feel for what I am like. You can do that via the contact page on my website, emailing or texting. Or you can call and leave a message, whatever feels most comfortable. I will then get back to you to arrange a time to speak; no charge; no obligation. It’s just a chat to find out more. I will ask a little bit about what has brought you to consider counselling at this point, and we discuss how we might work together. It’s a space for you to ask any questions you might have.

I know sometimes clients prefer to dive right in and book a session. That’s fine too. Just contact me and we can sort that. I will find out a little bit to make sure counselling is appropriate before we book.

So we’ve agreed an appointment! What happens next?

Once we have made an appointment, I will email you the booking details, address and a copy of my counselling agreement. That is a short document that sets out terms and conditions like cancellation policy and safeguarding. It also has payment instructions (I take payment for the first session when you book).

If we are working online, I will send you a link for the session usually the day before. It is important you have a private safe space where you won’t be disturbed and where you can talk freely.

If we are working in person, you will find me on the north side of Okehampton. There is parking, and the room is on the ground floor with level access other than one step up. If you need a higher chair then I can sort that for you. If you need anything else to help make counselling accessible, lets talk and I’ll see what I can do.

You can look forward to an enthusiastic greeting from the resident dog, if you are happy to meet him – he is happy to meet everyone! I can also make you a hot drink if you would like, while you settle in. I have a dedicated therapy room which is very private and homely and I hope to help you feel safe and comfortable.

Once you are comfortable, we might get the paperwork out of the way – collect a few important details and get the counselling agreement signed if you haven’t already returned it, and maybe do a quick wellbeing questionnaire if that feels right. The questionnaire is up to you but it can be useful. Its not the NHS, we can keep forms to a minimum!

In the first session my main aim is to start to build our relationship -  to ensure you are comfortable with me and feel able to talk.

Practically, I’d like to get an overview of how you are now, how things are impacting you, and a little background on the issue. There is no pressure to dive in to difficult content in the first session, or indeed ever. You are in control. If you have an idea of what you are hoping to get from our sessions together, then we can discuss that too.

The resident poodle is available for cuddles if you would like. Again, you are in control of whether he is in the room or not.

You don’t need to have anything prepared, or even know what you are hoping to get out of sessions. We can figure it out together.

Towards the end of our first session we will check if therapy with me still feels right for you. Then we can book the next session and talk about frequency of sessions etc.

Many clients like to have a regular session at the same time every week.  Knowing that they have a regular session booked can help them feel safe to explore whatever they are finding difficult.

Others opt for fortnightly sessions or plan sessions around their busy lives, because life doesn’t always fit a regular routine.

I do suggest that you aim for fortnightly sessions at least to ensure we can make progress. Some people choose to start with weekly sessions and attend less frequently as they progress with their therapy. My aim is to offer flexibility so you can access the support you need.

If you want to switch to online sometimes (perhaps you are away from home, don’t want to travel in bad weather, or timings are just tight) we can do that too.

We can also work in different ways, not just talking, if that works best for you. I guess that’s the subject for the next blog 😊

Ready to take the next step?

Contact me at anitamaidmentcounselling.com