When you attend your counselling and psychotherapy first session, whether it’s in-person or online, we’ll make sure that you’re welcomed in a friendly and pleasant way. This initial meeting is all about us creating a safe and comfortable space, where you can feel at ease. Our job is to work together to build a relationship where we can do the therapeutic work that matters to you.
Understanding Your Background
The first session is typically focused on getting to know each other. As part of this, it’s helpful for us to know about your background, your current situation, and what’s brought you to therapy. This might also involve discussing your personal history, any previous experiences with therapy, and your goals. You don’t have to share anything you don’t want to, it’s just an opportunity for you to tell your story and help us understand your needs.
Outlining Therapy Goals
Together, we’ll start to outline some goals for your therapy. These goals can be broad or specific, depending on where you’re at, and what you’re comfortable with. Goal setting is a very flexible process, and the idea is that can help to give your therapy direction. It also helps us know that we’re both aligned on what you want to get from therapy.
The Therapeutic Process
We’ll take a bit of time to discuss how the therapy process works, including the broad methods and techniques that we can use together. This can also be a good time to ask any questions you have a therapy and the therapeutic process. At Mindfulness Liverpool, we use what is called an “integrative” and “pluralistic” approach, which means we want to collaboratively decide with our clients on how the therapy takes place.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is really important during all of the time we’ll work together. We’ll explain our confidentiality policy, which guarantees that what you discuss in therapy stays between you and you us, with a few legal exceptions. Feeling trust is crucial, and knowing that your conversations are private can help you feel secure in opening up.
During the first session, you might start to explore some of the feelings and issues that brought you here. Sometimes, this can be an emotional experience, but it’s also a positive step towards understanding and healing. We’re here to guide you through this process with empathy and support.
Practical Details
We’ll also cover a few practical details, such as the length and frequency of sessions, payment, and cancellation policies. This just helps us to know that we’re both on the same page.
Your comfort with everything to do with this process is a top priority. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsure, it’s really important for you to share that. Throughout our work together we’ll regularly encourage you to check in with your needs and what’s right for you. This is important to creating a therapeutic environment that works for you.
A Positive First Step
Counselling and Psychotherapy can be an amazing investment in your life. We’re all doing our best, but there can be a lot to deal with. We’re here to help you in whatever way you need it. The first session can be a really positive experience in itself. We’ll begin to build our therapeutic relationship and set goals, so that you can begin your journey of self-discovery and healing. Some people can find this first step a bit overwhelming, but either way, we’re here to support you and we’ll move at a pace that’s right for you.
Beginning CBT shows courage and a commitment to your well-being. Embrace the process, be open, and give yourself credit for prioritising your own wellbeing. If you have any questions or concerns before your first session, you can drop us a line any time.
If you’re ready to start your therapy journey, or you’d like more information, get in touch to arrange a free consultation.
