Your First Counselling Visit
Starting therapy can feel daunting and uncertain. This page walks you through everything you need to know about beginning your therapeutic journey with us.
Before Your First Session
Prior to your initial appointment, we will ask you to complete a simple sign-up form to gather some basic information. This helps us prepare for our first meeting together. The link to the form is here.
Consent Form: You are also encouraged to review our therapy consent form ahead of time. This document outlines practice policies, confidentiality guidelines, and other important details about the therapy process. This form protects both you and me. It is a standard practice across the counselling industry. While you don't need to sign it until your first session, reading through it beforehand allows you to bring any questions or concerns to our initial discussion.
Consent Form (Minor Clients): Our practice ordinarily serves clients aged 18 and above. In select circumstances, we may provide services to teenage clients aged 16 -- 17. Such cases require a specialised consent form to address confidentiality for minors.
What to Expect
During your initial session, we will begin by discussing the reasons that brought you to seek therapy. Feel free to share as much or as little as you are comfortable with, there is no pressure to delve into deep details right away.
Most importantly, this first meeting allows us to establish a rapport and determine if we are a good fit to work together. Therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right therapist-client connection is crucial for its success.
How to Prepare
While no preparation is required, you may find it helpful to reflect on the challenges or goals you'd like to address in therapy. Writing down your thoughts can provide a useful reference point during our discussion.
It is also perfectly normal to feel a bit nervous or unsure, that's a natural reaction to any new experience. Remember, your therapist is there to support you, not to judge.
Just come as you are.
Our Therapy Room
Read more about our counselling location and office.
The Therapy Process
Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution or a single-session event. It's an ongoing process that unfolds over multiple sessions, allowing us to explore your concerns in-depth and develop effective strategies for personal growth and change.
The number of sessions needed can vary significantly depending on your specific situation and goals. Some people find relief after just a few sessions, while others may require longer-term support. During our work together, we will regularly re-evaluate your progress and adjust the treatment approach as needed.
It is also important to dispel the myth that therapy is something you'll need forever. The goal of counselling is to provide you with the insights and tools to improve your mental well-being and equip you to better cope with life’s challenges. Therapy is ultimately meant to be temporary.
Therapy is a marathon, not a sprint.
An Ongoing Journey
While the first session focuses on building rapport and understanding your goals, the real work begins in follow-up sessions. During these subsequent sessions, we will:
Explore Root Causes
We will dive deeper into the underlying issues, thought patterns and experiences contributing to your current challenges. This exploration fosters self-awareness and insight.
Develop Strategies
Drawing from various therapeutic techniques, I will work with you to develop personalized coping strategies. These may include cognitive-behavioural tools, mindfulness practices, relaxation and grounding techniques, or dialectical approaches.
Practice New Skills
Therapy doesn't just involve discussion. You will be provided guidance for implementing new skills and perspectives into your daily life through exercises, role-playing, and homework assignments.
Track Progress
Each session allows you and your therapist to reflect on progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure it fits you.
Build Your Toolbox
Over time, you'll accumulate a "toolbox" of techniques uniquely tailored to your needs. Your therapist’s role is to empower you with self-help tools to manage stressors independently.
See You Soon!
As you make positive strides and develop healthy coping mechanisms, the need for frequent sessions will likely diminish over time. My hope is to help you reach a point where you feel empowered to manage your mental health independently.
But rest assured, even after concluding therapy, I’m still here for you should you need periodic check-ins or explore new issues down the road. What matters most is that you feel safe, supported, and in control throughout your therapeutic journey.