What Happens in the Initial Call

When thinking about starting counselling, the very first step — actually reaching out — can feel like a lot. Before starting with our regular, either face to face or online sessions, I will invite you to a short initial call - either via phone or online. While being confidential, it remains informal, there’s no pressure to commit at any point. It’s a chance for both of us to get a sense of each other and see whether working together feels right.

Here’s how it looks like.

A gentle beginning

I’ll simply introduce myself and check with you if you are in a place, both mental and physical, where you can talk comfortably. It's nothing intense — a short moment to settle while we're getting used to the sounds of our voices. The aim of the whole call is for me to get some understanding of what brings you to counselling, share some details about how I work, and finish by talking through practical steps if during the call you decide to go ahead.

Space for your story

You can share as much or as little as feels comfortable. It's about how much you feel ok to share at this point, what comes to mind and what feels like might be worth saying at this point. At some point, I might ask questions like:

• what led you to reach out

• whether you’ve had counselling before

• what you’re hoping therapy might offer

  
  

There’s no one way to explain things and it's difficult to put in words what we have been feeling or experiencing. I am here is to listen, and make sure you feel understood.

A bit about how I work

I’ll say a few words on my approach — integrative, trauma‑informed, person‑centred — and what that really looks like past the names and words. I’ll also mention confidentiality and what I am aiming to offer in my space: an approach that is steady, non‑judgemental, and collaborative.

I keep it simple and human - it's not about making a sales pitch, but about brining clarity.

Some practical questions

As the call ends we'll move towards some practical things to help me understand your situation and make sure that we can work in a safe way. These include, but is not limited to, things like:

• your GP surgery

• any current medications

• your sleeping pattern

• any mobility needs or relevant health information

  
  

I’ll also ask for an emergency contact that you’d be happy for me to call if I were ever worried about your safety. It is not only a requirement of my insurance provider, but also a need for me to make sure that you remain safe. This can be any person that you'd be ok for me to contact.

It's not a test. It's about offering a safe and ethical practice.

Next steps

If everything feels well, we’ll have a look at availability and talk about what type of session would work best for you (in person in Malvern, Hereford, or online). I’ll then send you an email that will include a counselling agreement for you to read in your own time. It goes over such elements as confidentiality, my obligations, and practical elements such as fees and cancellations.

If you decide not to go ahead, that’s completely okay. The call is for you — to ask questions, and see what feels right.

A small step, not a leap

For many people, this call comes as a the moment of realising that therapy doesn’t have to be intimidating. It’s about two humans talking, honestly, gently and at their own pace, about what’s going on, what might help, and simply trying to make sense out of it all.

If you’re considering reaching out, I hope this gives you a clearer sense of what to expect. And if you ever want to have that first conversation, I’m here.

Dom

Integrative Trauma-Informed Counsellor

Specialising in Trauma, ADHD, Narcissistic Abuse, Burnout, PTSD/CPTSD and Moral Injury

Practising in Malvern, Hereford, and Online