What to Expect from Your First Therapy Session
Starting counselling can feel like a big step. You might be feeling nervous, unsure about what to expect, or wondering if you’ll feel comfortable sharing personal things with someone you’ve just met. These feelings are completely normal.
At Roles We Play Counselling, I aim to make your first therapy session feel as safe, supportive, and welcoming as possible. Whether you’re seeing me in person in Beckenham or joining me online from anywhere in the UK, the first session is about helping you feel at ease and giving you the space to talk about what’s going on for you—at your pace.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what typically happens in your first counselling session, so you can feel more prepared and confident about taking that first step.
Before Your First Session
Before booking a first counselling session, I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation. This is a chance for us to say hello, for you to tell me a little about what’s bringing you to therapy, and for you to ask any questions you might have. There’s no obligation—it’s simply an opportunity to see if working together feels like a good fit.
If you decide you’d like to move forward, we can book your free introductory 50-minute session. This session gives you the chance to experience how I work in a safe, supportive space. From there, we can talk about whether ongoing counselling feels right for you.
Before we meet, I’ll send over a brief welcome email with details about your session, including where I’m based in Beckenham for in-person counselling or how to join online from anywhere in the UK. If you have any specific concerns or needs, whether related to accessibility or anything else, you’re very welcome to let me know at this stage.
What Happens in the First Counselling Session?
Your first session is all about getting to know each other. There’s no expectation for you to “have it all figured out” or to share everything right away. We’ll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
1. Settling In
When we first meet—whether in my counselling room in Beckenham or online - we’ll begin by settling in and making sure you’re comfortable. If you have any questions, we can address those right away.
2. The Therapy Agreement and Confidentiality
At the start, I’ll explain how I work and go through the practicalities of our sessions, including confidentiality. We’ll talk about what confidentiality means in counselling, and the few exceptions to this (such as risk of serious harm), so you know exactly where you stand. If you want to learn more, I also have information about confidentiality in therapy you can explore.
3. Why You’re Here and What You’d Like to Focus On
We’ll explore what brings you to therapy at this time. You might have a clear idea - such as managing anxiety, stress, or relationship challenges - or you might just feel stuck and unsure of where to begin. Either is completely fine.
I’ll listen carefully and without judgement. There’s no rush, and you’re free to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.
4. My Approach
I work as an integrative therapist, drawing from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Transactional Analysis (TA), and Person-Centred Therapy. During the first session, I can explain a little about how these approaches work and how we might use them in future sessions., this gives you a sense of what therapy with me might look like. You can find out more about My Approach here.
5. How You’re Feeling
I’ll check in with you throughout the session to make sure you’re feeling okay. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions during a first session - some people feel relieved, others may feel tired afterwards. However you feel is valid.
How You Might Feel After Your First Session
Many people describe feeling lighter after finally sharing what’s been on their mind, while others feel emotionally drained. Some clients say it takes a day or two to process what came up.
You’re welcome to take time to reflect after the session. There’s never any pressure to make decisions straight away about ongoing therapy, you can book another session when you feel ready or get in touch with any questions that come up later.
Practical Information
Free 15-minute phone consultation
Free Introductory 50-minute session
Session Length: Ongoing counselling sessions last 50 minutes
In-Person Location: Beckenham (address provided on booking)
Online Therapy: Secure video sessions (via Zoom) available anywhere in the UK
Fees: £65 per 50-minute session
Payment: Please pay up to 24 hours in advance of your session.
Cancellation: Please allow 48-hours’ notice to cancel booked sessions or if you can't attend you are charged the standard fee.
Frequency: Most clients start with weekly sessions, but we’ll discuss what works for you.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Your first counselling session is about creating a safe, supportive space for you to explore what’s going on in your life. Whether you choose to see me in person in Beckenham or prefer online therapy from the comfort of your home, I’m here to support you.
If you’d like to book your free phone consultation or have any questions, please contact me today.
