Meeting someone for the first time can feel intimidating. A first date, a job interview, a colleague and that's not even to discuss the issues that perhaps you've not told anyone before. So it's completely normal to feel nervous, apprehensive and maybe even uneasy about meeting your counsellor and starting therapy for the first time.
So let's start by normalising the nerves.
1. Confirmation of details and the contract.
So we can relax a little. We're not going to dive in straight away, me asking you what's really inside Pandora's box and handing it all over to you so you can tell me what brings you to counselling. The first fifteen minutes or so we will go over personal details, making sure I have the correct number and that you have my number. We will also discuss what to do if you can't make an appointment. Next it's the counselling contract. This contract will be emailed to you ahead of time so you can read through it in your own time ahead of our session.
I also encourage questions throughout the contracting part so ask away!
2. A discussion around confidentiality
This is discussed during the contracting process and is probably one of the most important things that we will discuss. All of my work is bound by confidentiality. I will also inform you on the times where confidentiality would have to be compromised. These are:
If a serious crime had been committed.
If there was a serious risk of harm to you / others.
Safeguarding issues.
Once a month I will also attend supervision. My supervisor may be privy to information about a client, however they will not have access to full names or personal details.
My supervisor is there to make sure not only I am practising in a safe and ethical way but will also gain insight if I need to discuss client issues.
3. Note taking and storage
Unlike the psychiatrist or therapist that you may see on a Netflix series, I don't make notes during our sessions. Note taking is done but this is done after our session. Notes are kept short and simply highlight what was talked about during our session. My thoughts or opinions are not contained in note taking.
Your notes are kept completely separate from your personal information and your name is not present on your notes so confidentiality can be maintained at all time.
Notes are kept for five years.
You can request your notes at any time.
3. Now to make a start...
Lastly I will ask what brings you to counselling. It's important to know that you can take this question at your own pace and time. There is no rush to get all off it out in one go. It's your session so you can discuss issues any issues you may be having at a pace to suit you.
All sessions last 50 minutes.
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