What to Expect in Your Counselling Sessions
Starting counselling can bring up all sorts of feelings; curiosity, relief, hope, and often some nerves. If you’re wondering what will happen in the first couple of sessions, I hope this page offers you some clarity.
I offer counselling in Manchester and online, working with adults who want to understand themselves better, improve their relationships (with themselves as well as others) or navigate life's challenges..
Before your first session
We will have an introductory call so that you can ask any questions you may have. I’ll explain how I work, confidentiality, and practical details so you know what to expect. We will then book your first session.
Many people worry about knowing what to say but there’s no expectation to arrive with a clear story or even a clear reason to be there. We’ll start wherever you are.
If you have questions or concerns before we meet, get in touch, I'm here to help.
The first few sessions
The first few sessions are about getting to know each other and creating a sense of safety.
We’ll spend time exploring:
What has brought you to counselling
Any difficulties you’re experiencing
How you hope counselling might help you
Many people feel relief simply from being able to speak openly, without judgement or pressure to have things figured out.
The following sessions
In the following sessions, we usually begin to gently deepen the work.
This might include:
Noticing patterns in how you relate to others or to yourself
Exploring emotional responses that feel confusing or stuck
Beginning to understand how past experiences may be shaping the present
There’s no rush, we move at a pace that feels right for you.
Some people come with a clear focus; others discover what they want to explore as the sessions unfold. Both are ok.
How counselling can help
Counselling offers a space to slow down and develop greater emotional awareness and understanding. Over time, you may notice
Feeling more connected to yourself
Greater clarity in your relationships
Increased confidence in understanding and expressing your needs and boundaries
A sense of choice, rather than feeling stuck in old patterns
The relationship we build in counselling is an important part of the therapy process, feeling understood and emotionally attuned to can be transformative. Counselling is also collaborative, this is something that we do together, not something that I do to you.
Is counselling right for me?
People come to counselling for lots of reasons. You don’t need a clear label for what you’re experiencing. If something feels unsettled or hard to carry, counselling can help.
You don’t have to know exactly what you need, we can explore that together.
Counselling in Manchester and online
I work with adults in Manchester City Centre and online, offering counselling that is relational, and compassionate. If you’re considering starting counselling and would like to talk things through, please get in touch.