Starting counselling can seem really overwhelming and scary, but knowing a few things prior to starting the sessions could potentially help you to get more from your sessions.  There is nowhere to go here but up!

How can counselling help me? Firstly, collaboration is so important.  Counselling is not done to you, but with you.  It is really important to realise that the counsellor does not “fix” you, I want to work with you to guide you to have the insights that hopefully bring about change.

Choosing the Right Counsellor for you

One of the most important parts of the process is to feel comfortable with your counsellor, you need to feel that you are in a safe, non  judgemental space and that you are being listened to.  These are the basics for counselling.

As human beings we don’t all get on with each other, therefore as counsellors we want you to get the most out of your counselling experience. I understand if you want to try a different counsellor, in fact I would encourage you to do so.

When looking for a counsellor it’s recommended you speak to different people and go with who feels right for you.

Change is a Process

Change doesn’t happen over night and it is important when you start your journey to recognise this.  It is a process.  A lot of the work takes place between sessions, whether that be processing what came up in the session, undertaking some worksheets or practising new coping skills.

Willingness and transparency are critical elements in the therapeutic relationship.  Being as open and honest as you can be is important, as you are the expert in you, and as counsellors we can only help and understand what is shared with us.

Emotions are welcome

Please do not feel the need to hide any of the emotions that you are feeling.  Crying is not a weakness and anger is a normal and acceptable emotion.  Helping you to explore and understand them is part of the counselling process.

I will not judge you because you feel and can help you by offering that safe space so that you can be vulnerable, as difficult as that may be at times, and support you with managing those emotions.

You are not alone

I am here to work together with you, not to “fix” you, but to help you grow.

Once you step into that counselling process and start your journey, you are not alone in sorting through your emotions, thoughts and behaviours, you have me here to help you.  It is a privilege to be able to work with my clients and not something that I ever take for granted.