What will my first session involve at Wellbeing Counselling?

When reaching out to book your first counselling session or if considering counselling, it can bring all kinds of thoughts and emotions with it. You may feel a mix of excitement and anxiousness, or you may feel scared and terrified. What many people don't realise is that even the act of considering counselling is a big step. To be aware that things have been tough for some time and to acknowledge this and then think about seeking help is a brave thing in itself.

Many counsellors approach a clients first session differently, but what would a first session with us at Wellbeing Counselling look like?

Before a session, if a client books a session, I send an agreement to clients to read-through and sign. The agreement outlines that the client has viewed the contents on the website, including the FAQ page, they agree to the contents within the FAQ page and consent to counselling.

Introductions are a big part of the first session. I like to introduce myself and ask the client if they've previously had counselling before. Depending on their response - I may ask them to elaborate on this more. I'll also ask if they have goals for counselling.

Confidentiality is important and is an aspect of counselling that I always explain in a first session. I discuss what confidentiality in the context of an NZAC registered member involves and its limitations.

I discuss the cost of the session as well as the session duration.

I then allow the client time to ask any questions they may have for me. The most common question I get asked is: 'What made you become a counsellor?'

The client will then want to share what has led them to the online space. During this part of the session, I may do a health history with the client which may include whether they have medical conditions, mental health history, whether the client is on current medication and what for, whether they have a mental health diagnosis, whether they are involved in other therapies as well as what their relationship with their family is like. Depending on their responses to these questions, we may also delve a little more into these.

With the client beginning to unpack in the session and in asking these questions, as well as others - I'm beginning to create a picture of the struggles and challenges they have been faced with and through an open dialogue and Socratic questioning, we begin to look into things a little more deeply.

For me, an important part of counselling is the therapeutic relationship between myself and the client. In creating a warm, compassionate, empathetic and non-judgemental online space and myself also embodying these qualities, I aim to build safety and trust with the client to allow them to feel comfortable enough to be open and share in the space. I bring my focus on the client and really hear what's led them here. I may at times ask the client to repeat particular things to ensure what I have heard is correct.

The process of creating this safe, online space to allow for the client to be open and share then allows me to consider which approach or approaches may best benefit the client and their journey.

When the session time is almost up, I'll gently let the client know that the session has about 5 or so minutes left if they wanted to share a little more or if they have questions for me and then I may assign homework or something to takeaway to consider until our next session.

Many people believe counselling to be a waste of time and money however, counselling involves skill, care, respect and competence. As a counsellor I have an immense respect for this craft, I often spend much time reading about different approaches, write notes, I attend workshops, attend counselling supervision, and create a plan for each client specifically, taking into account their challenges/issues and goals.

Being a counsellor is incredibly humbling, and the work is something that I find interesting, challenging at times yet rewarding in many ways. To be a small part in a person's journey, to be there to support people and to witness shifts is always such a privilege.

If you had further questions regarding counselling sessions, you can email us at: halen@wellbeingcounselling.co.nz or inquire on our main page.