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What happens in a first session?
If you are feeling nervous about your first appointment, that is completely normal. Here is what to expect, so there are no surprises.
Most people arrive at a first session carrying a mix of hope and worry. Some have rehearsed what they want to say; others have no idea where to start. Both are fine. A first session is not a test, and there is nothing you need to get right.
Before we meet
Once you book, I will send you a confirmation with the time, the address or telehealth link, and your intake and consent forms. You are welcome to fill these in beforehand, or we can go through them together at the start.
You do not need a GP referral, and you do not need to prepare anything. If it helps, you might jot down a few notes about what has been on your mind, but it is entirely optional.
When you arrive
Sessions run for 60 minutes, in person in Craigieburn or online. If you are coming in person, the room is quiet and comfortable, and you can sit wherever feels right. If we are meeting online, choose somewhere private where you will not be overheard, and headphones can help.
What we talk about
The first part of the session is about the practical things, so that you know exactly where you stand:
- how confidentiality works, and the small number of situations where I would need to share information
- how fees, rebates and cancellations work
- how I store your information and keep it private
Then, mostly, we talk. I will ask what has brought you here, a little about your life and background, and what you would like to be different. You decide how much you share. If something feels too hard to talk about yet, just say so. We can come back to it, or leave it altogether.
Towards the end, we will think together about what you are hoping to get from counselling, and what might help. There is no fixed plan at this stage. It usually becomes clearer over the first few sessions.
Finding the right fit
The relationship between you and your counsellor matters more than almost anything else in whether counselling helps. A first session is as much a chance for you to get a feel for me as it is for me to understand you.
If you leave feeling it is not quite right, that is useful to know, not a failure. I would genuinely rather you told me, and I am happy to suggest someone who might suit you better.
If you are booking for your child
For play therapy, the first appointment is with you as the parent or carer, without your child. It gives us time to talk openly about what you have noticed, your child’s history and what you are hoping for, before your child ever steps into the room.
When your child does come, the first session is gentle and unhurried. They are free to explore, and if either of you would feel more comfortable with you in the room for the first few sessions, you are very welcome to stay.
Afterwards
It is common to feel tired, relieved, unsettled, or all three after a first session. Talking about things that matter takes energy. Be gentle with yourself for the rest of the day if you can.
If we decide to keep working together, we will book your next session before you leave, or you can take some time to think about it and get in touch when you are ready.
This article is general information and isn't a substitute for professional advice. If you need urgent help, call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Still have questions?
You are welcome to get in touch for a confidential, obligation-free chat before you book.