25/03/2026
What can you expect in your first therapy session❓
Your first therapy session might feel a little uncertain, but it's a starting point. It’s a space to talk about what’s brought you here and what you hope to gain from therapy. Your therapist will listen, ask questions, and begin to understand your experiences, there’s no pressure to share everything at once.
It’s the beginning of building a supportive relationship, tailored to you and your needs.
In your first session:
🟪 You will have a chance to make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist, and for them to check they have the skills and expertise to support you.
🟪 It will include introductions and a chance for you to briefly outline your background and summarise the main issues you’re experiencing.
🟪 It sets the framework and focuses on understanding what’s brought you to counselling, explaining how the process works, setting expectations, and beginning to build a safe, supportive space where we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
🟪 Time will be taken to ensure you understand the contract between you and your therapist such as confidentiality limitations, issues around cancellations, how notes are stored and who to contact in the event of an emergency.
🟪 You'll be able to set goals, see how therapy can make a difference to you, and find out how to give feedback and review how the therapy is progressing.
🟪 You can ask as many questions as you need. It's good to ask questions such as what the therapist's experience is or what their qualifications are.
Some of these points might also be covered in an introductory call, so your first session can focus more on what matters most to you.
