What is counselling like?
Are you feeling a bit anxious about your first therapy session?
If you have not had counselling before, you might be unsure about what it involves. It is understandable to be apprehensive and I hope I can alleviate some of your fears here.
Counselling is a confidential and private space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. This supportive environment is focused on helping you to gain greater self-awareness and understanding. That said, the environment will only feel supportive when you feel a level of trust and safety, so the first thing that we need to do is establish a level of rapport where you start to feel comfortable talking with me. I can say that I won’t judge you, push you, pathologise you, or give unsolicited advice… but that doesn’t matter until you feel it. Of course, this is gradual process but most clients feel more comfortable within one to two sessions. And, if for some reason we don’t gel, I am probably not the right counsellor for you. It is very important to find the right person.
My apporach
Counselling with me is person-centred, meaning you and your needs and preferences are at the centre of all we do. My role is to walk alongside you in this self-exploration. It is my belief that you are the expert in your own life and I will help you to draw on your existing strengths and find your own solutions.
That’s right, I don’t have all the answers. My job is to draw them out of you and clients often come away from counselling with:
- Greater clarity about their situation and decisions
- Deeper self-understanding
- Increased self-compassion and confidence
- Enhanced emotional regulation and coping skills
- Healthier communication and relationships
- Improved mood and lower anxiety
So, how do we go about this in a session? Primarily it is through my use of “reflective listening”. Reflective listening isn’t advice-giving (what you might expect a professional to do). It isn’t analysis (such as some depictions of ‘therapy’). It isn’t someone jumping in with their own story (as a friend might when you are talking over coffee). No, reflective listening is skilful use of open questions, attentive listening and statements that reflect back to you what I have heard.
The experience of being listened to – really heard – is a powerful healing experience in itself, and reflective listening is the experience of being listened to in a way that helps you hear yourself more clearly. And also to gain clarity about how you want to move forward in your situation.
To support this, I have knowledge and resources to share about things that others have found helpful to support their mental health, relationships and wellbeing. I might offer some options for you to consider and, if you like, we might try some things out within a session (perhaps a breathing exercise, or values exercise, for example). Sometimes you might like to take home some things to try between sessions but ‘homework’ is absolutely voluntary!
In addition to “reflective listening”, I might offer you other types of support drawn from my other evidence-based modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Interactive Drawing Therapy. This means that in a session we might get out some paper and pencils to get your experience out of your head and into a visual format.
You can find out more about me and my approach here. If you still have questions, the best step is to book a free 15 minute initial consultation via phone or video. In that call we can discuss your needs, I can answer any of your questions, and you can get a bit of a feel for if I am the right counsellor for you. This call is completely obligation free and although I will give you the opportunity to make an appointment for your first session at the end of the call, you can also opt to take more time to consider if you want to go ahead. I can send you my online booking link to book when and if you are ready.
Ready to take the first step?
Book a free 15 minute call
Reaching out is the hardest part. You don't need to have it all figured out, or know exactly what you want to say. A tentative hello is enough.
But, a very important factor in the success of therapy is the relationship you have with your therapist.
I recommend prospective clients book a free 15 minute consultation to get a sense of whether we are a good fit before you commit. There's no obligation and no pressure.
Click the button below to access my online booking page and find a time that is convenient for you. We can speak by phone or video call.
Please note that I only see people 15 years old or over.
Please also check out my FAQs if you have other questions. They may be answered there.
Request contact by email
To contact me via email, please send a message via the contact form below.
A note for practitioners
GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, allied health referrals
If you're a GP, psychiatrist, psychologist, occupational therapist, or allied health practitioner looking for a referral pathway for clients, I'd be glad to help. I work collaboratively and am happy to have a brief conversation before or after a referral to support continuity of care.
I also accept referrals for self- or plan-managed NDIS participants.
You can reach me directly on 0411 035 820 or via the contact form above.