What will happen in my first counselling session?

Starting counselling can hold a lot of unknowns. The first counselling session will likely be a time of getting information about you and what brings you to counselling. Your counsellor will likely ask more questions of you than in typical sessions as they get an understanding of who you are and how you cope.

1. Introduction

   The session will typically begin with the counsellor introducing themselves and the space you're meeting (whether physical or digital). They will let you know anything of immediate importance such as fire exits or what to do if the internet drops.

2. Discussing Confidentiality

   The counsellor will also explain the confidentiality policy, including what information is kept private and any exceptions to this rule (e.g., risk of harm to yourself or others).

   
   

3. Checking In on Paperwork

   We invite you to fill in some paperwork before starting at Renewal. Your counsellor will check in with you to see if you have any questions about the counselling agreement, intake forms, or other things as you get started. Feel free to ask any questions you might have.

   
   

4. Gathering Information

   Your counsellor will have some questions to help them understand your background, current situation, and what brings you to counselling.

   This may include:

   • Asking about particular ways that people often struggle when times are hard (food, sleep, etc...).

   • Current challenges or concerns

   • Your personal history

   This information gathering stage sometimes takes more than one session and can include questions from your therapist as well as reflections from you.

 It is often a new thing to have another person be compassionately curious about your story - that in itself can be healing.

Online Counselling

2. Setting Goals

   Early in therapy, you and the counsellor may discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve in future sessions. This helps give a direction for the work and helps you and your counsellor know how to best direct your time.

   
   

3. Closing the Session

   The session will typically end a session with telling you any next steps. The counsellor may also schedule your next appointment, if not agreed already.

   
   

4. Give Yourself Compassion for the Courage

   After the session, take some time to reflect on your feelings and thoughts about the experience. This can help you prepare for future sessions. And be sure to extend yourself a lot of grace for whatever you might feel following this first session. Sometimes just getting started is a huge piece of work. Giving yourself some compassion for the courage it takes to show up and share is really important.

   
   

Remember, every counselling experience is unique, and your first session may vary based on the counsellor's approach and your individual needs. Sometimes these steps take several sessions, but even these initial information gathering stages are a part of the journey of therapy. It is often a new thing to have another person be compassionately curious about your story - that in itself can be healing.