What Happens in the First Session

If have your first session booked, it's a sign that you’ve already done quite a lot. You decided to move forward with therapy, searched for a therapist, reached out, had your initial call and then made the decision to step into the room — none of that is small. It's already been some hard work!

The first session is all about slowly starting to unpack what has been going on. It's about arriving, settling in, and beginning to make sense of what’s been going on for you.

Here’s what you can expect.

Welcoming you to the space

It's a new situation, and so it's important for us to begin by grounding ourselves in the space. Regardless of the place, whether we’re meeting in Malvern, Hereford, or online, I’ll check in with how you’re feeling as we start. There’s no rush. No expectation to "perform", to be "the best client" or tell your entire story at once. No need to make any sort of impression. It’s just us — two people finding a pace that feels manageable.

Going over the essentials

As we start, we may have a look at the practical bits we touched on during the initial call. This can be some additional information that wasn't included, such as new medication or a change in your sleeping patterns. I also go again through such elements as confidentiality, the agreement and we make sure that we are comfortable with all the arrangements. None of this is a tick‑box exercise; everything you decide to share can help me understand the context you’re living in and how to support you safely.

If anything has changed since our call, you can let me know. You can also let me know at any point during te counselling relationship when a change happens. If something feels difficult to talk about, we take it slowly.

What brought you here

Most of the session is a space for you. You can share whatever you wish. It can be what’s been happening, what feels heavy, as well as what you’re hoping might change. You may arrive with a clear sense of what you wish to achieve; but you may also just know something isn’t feeling right and you need a safe place to explore it. Both are completely okay.

You don’t need to have the “right words”. You don’t need to be organised or coherent. Putting feelings and experiences into words can be challenging. I am here to listen, reflect, and help you make sense of things at your own pace. Ultimately, everything will start falling into its place.

Shaping the work

As we go through the issues, some themes may start to appear, some elements may start to repeat, you may notice that some memories appear bringing forward some emotions. We may explore them more, or just put them on the side as something to look at when we're ready. I you wish to look at something later, I'm here to hold it safe for you until the time comes. At some point I may interrupt and ask some questions to understand your experience a little better. You are welcome to share just as much as you wish.

Whatever your goals are, we’ll hold them lightly and revisit them as the work unfolds.

Ending with steadiness

Towards the end, we’ll check in with how you’re feeling. First sessions can feel relieving, emotional, surprising, or simply like a beginning. It's natural that you may leave with many thoughts and feelings stirred up, coming and going. Sometimes we may even think about things we thought long forgotten. Whatever comes up is welcome.

We will also take time to end the session grounded. The importance is to finish at a space that feels comfortable enough. It's not about bringing everything immediately, rushing like a waterfall, but letting the stream flow at its own pace.

A beginning

The first session is first and foremost about starting a relationship — one that is built on trust, safety, and collaboration. You bring your thoughts, feelings and experiences; I bring my training, my own experience and presence; and together we begin the work.

If you’re considering taking that step, I hope this gives you a clearer sense of what to expect. And if you ever want to begin, I’m here.

Dom