Your First Counselling Session
Beginning counselling is a meaningful step, and clients often arrive with questions about what a first session involves. What follows is a plain walk-through of how I work in a first session, whether we are meeting online or in person at the Stilbaai West practice. The aim is to reduce surprises and to let us begin the work in a way that honours the journey you are already on.
Before we meet: the free consultation
Before booking a full session, you are welcome to a free 15-minute consultation. It is a short, low-pressure call (over WhatsApp video, Zoom, or phone) and gives you a chance to:
- Share briefly what is on your mind at the moment.
- Ask any practical questions you have (fees, format, timing, approach).
- Get a sense of whether we are a good fit, because the therapeutic relationship matters more than the credentials.
There is no expectation to book a session afterwards. It is a chance for us to decide together whether I am the right counsellor for you.
The first session: what actually happens
A first full session (typically 60 minutes) usually includes:
- A short orientation and consent. We cover confidentiality, the ethical framework, how sessions will be structured, and anything practical about booking or fees. I also ask you to sign a brief informed-consent form that sets out the nature and limits of counselling, your right to withdraw at any time, and how your information is kept. The forms are linked below so that you can read them before your first session.
- Your story, at your pace. What is bringing you to counselling, what you are hoping to work on, relevant background. There is no need for a prepared speech. The point is beginning to talk, not performing.
- A first sense of direction. Together we identify two or three things that feel most important to focus on, and talk about what the next session or two could look like.
- Space for your questions. Anything you want to ask about the approach, methods, or how decisions will be made together.
Confidentiality and its limits
What you share with me in sessions is private. I follow the ASCHP Code of Ethics and comply with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). Session notes are kept securely. Information is not shared with third parties without your explicit consent.
There are narrow exceptions where the law requires disclosure, such as immediate risk to self or others, child abuse, or a court order. I explain these upfront during the first session so that you are never surprised by them.
If your session is online
- Pick a private space. Not a coffee shop. A closed room where you will not be interrupted: your own bedroom, a parked car, even a quiet corner of the garden.
- Headphones help. They keep the conversation private and make the sound clearer.
- Join a few minutes early. This ensures that audio and video are working before the session starts.
- Have water nearby. Sessions can be emotionally tiring. Being comfortable matters.
- Tissues. No expectation to cry, but sometimes you might, and having them nearby is kind.
More detail on how online works: read about online counselling →
Common first-session concerns
What if I don't know where to start?
That's completely normal. Most people don't arrive with a prepared speech. We'll start by chatting, and the shape of what you want to talk about usually emerges from there.
What if I get upset or cry?
Tissues and time are always available, and I don't rush past tears. Crying in counselling is common and often meaningful. It usually signals that something important is being touched. If you need to pause, breathe, or sit with a feeling for a few minutes, that's part of the work, not an interruption of it.
What if I sit in silence for a bit?
Silence is OK. Pauses to think, to feel, or to gather yourself are useful. There's no pressure to fill every moment.
How formal should I be? What should I wear?
Be yourself. There's no dress code. Comfort matters more than formality. You're meant to focus on the conversation, not on managing impressions.
Can I bring someone with me, or have a partner join?
For individual counselling, sessions are one-on-one. For couples or family work, we'd plan that from the start. If there's someone you'd like to include, mention it in the free consultation so we can structure appropriately.
How many sessions will I need?
It varies. Some concerns resolve in 3–6 sessions. Others benefit from longer-term support. We'll talk about cadence after session 1 or 2, and you're always in control of how often and how long we continue.
How will I know if counselling is working?
Change in counselling usually shows up gradually, and often outside the sessions themselves. You might notice yourself responding differently to a familiar trigger, having a harder conversation without panic, or realising mid-week that something you would normally spiral on did not land as hard this time.
Occasionally, things feel a little worse for a while before they feel better. New awareness can be uncomfortable. That is not usually a sign something is wrong; it is often a sign something is being touched that needed attention.
We check in together after the first few sessions and periodically after that, to name progress honestly and adjust if something is not working. If at any point you feel counselling is not serving you, please raise it. If the work I offer is not the right fit for what you need, I will refer you to someone better placed to help. You are never locked in.
Client consent forms
You are welcome to download and read the relevant consent form before your first session. Please return it before the session; we will review it together in the first session.
Fees & practicalities
Sessions are R500 for 60 minutes, or R250 for 30 minutes. Payment is via EFT after each session. Please note that my practice is not currently eligible to claim from medical aid.
The free 15-minute consultation stays free. No catch, no follow-up pressure.
Ready when you are
Prefer email? Reach me at [email protected] or call 076 733 6597.