"What happens when I start counselling?"
Starting counselling can feel daunting - especially if you’re used to coping on your own or questioning whether your experiences “count”. I understand that uncertainty, and I’ve been there myself.
Reaching out for an initial conversation is often the hardest step. Many people find that once we’ve had a brief chat and they know what to expect, the first session feels more manageable and less overwhelming.
The first session
The first counselling session can feel nerve-wracking, and it’s completely normal to feel anxious beforehand - especially if you’re not used to focusing on your own needs or talking about yourself.
In the first session, I’ll explain how counselling works and talk through confidentiality, so you know what to expect and what feels safe to share. There’s no pressure to go into lots of detail. We’ll take things at your pace, and you can talk about what’s been bringing you to counselling and what feels most important for you right now.
The aim of the first session is simply to begin building a sense of safety and understanding, rather than to cover everything at once.
What can counselling help me with?
People often assume counselling is only for anxiety or depression. While it can certainly help with those experiences, many people come to counselling because they feel stuck, confused, or constantly questioning themselves.
Counselling can help you make sense of what’s been happening in your life and why certain patterns keep repeating. You might find yourself asking “Is it me?” or feeling unsure whether your reactions are valid.
You may recognise yourself as someone who puts other people’s needs first, struggles to say no, or feels guilty for resting or taking up space. Over time, this can leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, and disconnected from yourself.
Counselling can also help if you’ve experienced trauma, emotional abuse, or long-term relational difficulties and are still carrying the effects of this - even if you’ve never labelled it as trauma before.
Some people come to counselling not because something is “wrong”, but because they want to understand themselves better. This might include exploring where certain behaviours came from, developing healthier boundaries, or finding ways to feel more grounded and at ease in your life.
There’s no right or wrong reason to come to counselling. What matters is that something doesn’t feel sustainable - and you’re curious about doing things differently.
More about counselling...
There are many different ways of working in counselling. I work in a way that is flexible and responsive, adapting sessions to suit you rather than following a rigid structure.
Sessions are led by what feels most important to you. Some weeks you might want to talk things through, other times you may want space to reflect more quietly. There’s no pressure to perform, explain yourself perfectly, or arrive with a plan.
My aim is to offer a calm, supportive space where you feel able to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgement. We work at your pace, building understanding and trust over time.
