Welcome! If you’re thinking about starting counselling, it is completely normal to feel unsure about what to expect. This page walks you through what to expect from counselling in Sheffield, step by step, so you can feel more at ease before we begin.
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a form of talking therapy where you work with a trained therapist (that’s me!) to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and experiences in a safe and confidential space.
My approach is person-centred, which means sessions are guided by your needs and preferences. I also draw from other approaches such as:
- Coaching, which integrates solutions and action-orientated techniques
- Existential approaches, especially for loss or change
Together, we’ll find the way of working that best supports you. This is an important part of what to expect from counselling in Sheffield, a space where you can talk openly, feel heard and understood.
Your first session, the consultation
Your first session is a little different from ongoing sessions. It is called a consultation session, and it is all about:
- Getting to know one another
- Exploring what’s brought you to counselling
- Deciding whether we’re a good fit to work together
Before we meet
You’ll likely have had a free discovery call with me for 20 minutes. This is a friendly chat to see if we are a good fit and how I can support you. You will receive an email with directions to my practice and my policies so you can read those in advance too. I will also send you details of how to pay for the session.
If your session will take place online via Zoom or by telephone, I’ll include a link and some simple guidance on how to prepare, so you can feel comfortable and ready before we begin.
When you arrive
I’ll welcome you at the door, offer you a drink, and show you into the therapy room. It’s a peaceful, comfortable space designed to help you feel safe and relaxed.
Or when we connect
If we’re meeting online or by phone, I’ll greet you just as warmly as if you were here in person. We’ll take a moment to settle in, check that the connection feels clear, and make sure you’re comfortable before we begin.
What we’ll talk about
During the 50-minute consultation, we’ll take our time to:
- Introduce ourselves
- Talk about my approach and how I work
- Review the counselling agreement, which covers:
- Confidentiality
- Ethics
- Data protection and notes
- Contact between sessions
- Cancellations and fees
- How long therapy might last
- Explore what’s brought you to therapy
- Discuss any practical needs or adjustments
- Talk about your goals and expectations for therapy
I may ask some questions like:
- Have you had therapy before?
- How are things for you right now?
- What would you like to get out of counselling?
You’re very welcome to ask me anything during this session. Your comfort matters.
Deciding to work together
At the end of the session (which lasts 50 minutes), we’ll talk about whether continuing feels right for both of us.
- If you’d like to go ahead, and I agree it’s a good fit, we’ll book your next session.
- I’ll ask you to complete a short client information form, including emergency contact details and GP information (if you consent to provide them).
- You’ll also be invited to sign my counselling agreement so we’re both clear on how we’ll work together.
If you decide not to continue, that’s okay too – it’s important you find the right therapist for you. This flexibility and openness are central to what to expect from counselling in Sheffield.
What future sessions look like
After your consultation, sessions will become more focused on your personal goals and what you’d like to explore.
Each session is tailored to you. You might work on:
- Any of the issues I list on this site
- Exploring relationship patterns
- Building confidence and self-awareness
I may introduce tools or techniques if they feel helpful for you, such as:
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques
- Writing or drawing
- Reflective exercises
We’ll always talk about what feels useful for you.
Number of sessions
I can work short, medium or longer-term with you, or for a fixed number of sessions.
Short-term is typically between 6 and 10 sessions.
If you are looking to explore or change longer-standing issues, our work may need more time – 10 sessions or more.
Sessions are generally weekly, especially in the early stages to build a strong foundation. We can discuss adjusting the frequency as needed.
Each session lasts 50 minutes.
If you are wondering what to expect from counselling in Sheffield over time, we’ll review how things are going so the pace and focus feel right for you.
Ongoing feedback and progress
Counselling is a collaborative process. Throughout our work together, we’ll check in to see:
- How you’re finding the sessions
- Whether your needs are being met
- If any changes are needed to how we work
This helps make sure counselling stays relevant, meaningful, and supportive for you.
Ready to begin?
If you have any questions before we meet, feel free to reach out or book a free 20-minute discovery call to see whether counselling feels right for you. It’s a relaxed chat where we can talk about what’s been happening and how I can help.
I look forward to supporting you on your journey.
If you’ve been searching for what to expect from counselling in Sheffield, I hope this has helped you feel more confident about taking that first step.
