About Counselling
A few of the questions people often ask before starting counselling.
How do I know if I need counselling?
People often imagine counselling is only for when life is falling apart. In reality, many of the women I work with are managing work, family and responsibilities while carrying far more than anyone else realises.
If you're feeling anxious, emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or life simply feels harder than it used to, counselling may help. You don't need to wait until you're at breaking point before reaching out.
What happens in my first counselling session?
Your first session is simply a conversation. We'll talk about what's brought you to counselling, what's been happening in your life, and what you're hoping might feel different.
There's no pressure to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. We'll go at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
What if I don't know what to talk about?
This is one of the most common concerns people have before starting counselling.
Many clients know they don't feel like themselves but struggle to put into words why. That's okay - you don't need to arrive with all the answers. Part of my role is helping you make sense of what's been feeling difficult.
Do I need to be in crisis to come to counselling?
Not at all. Many people come to counselling because they're feeling stretched, overwhelmed or stuck - not because they're in crisis. You might be navigating anxiety, grief, burnout, relationship challenges or a major life change, or simply want support making sense of what's been going on.
How often should I attend counselling?
There's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some people prefer to start with weekly sessions before moving to fortnightly or monthly appointments, while others attend less often from the beginning.
You're free to book sessions at a pace that feels right for you, and that can change over time as life changes too.
How many counselling sessions will I need?
There's no set number of counselling sessions. Some people come for a handful of sessions around a specific challenge, while others choose ongoing support through different stages of life.
The length of counselling looks different for everyone and depends on what you're hoping to work through.
Will you tell me what to do?
My role isn't to tell you what decisions to make. Instead, I'll help you better understand yourself, recognise patterns, consider different perspectives and make choices that feel right for you.
Will everything I say remain confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is an important part of counselling and helps create a space where you can speak openly.
The only exceptions are situations where there's a serious risk of harm, or where disclosure is required by law. We'll discuss confidentiality in more detail during your first appointment.
What if counselling isn't the right fit for me?
Counselling isn't one-size-fits-all. It's not uncommon for the first few sessions to feel a little unfamiliar as you get to know your counsellor and the counselling process. Sometimes it simply takes time to settle in. Equally, it's okay if you come to realise this isn't quite what you need right now.
For some people, it's also about timing. I've had many clients return months or even years later, when life looked different or they felt more ready.
Whatever your path looks like, the most important thing is finding support that feels right for you.
How do I get started?
Starting counselling can be as simple as booking your first appointment. If you'd prefer to have a chat first, you’re welcome to book a free initial chat to ask questions, get a feel for my approach, and see whether counselling feels right.
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin or know exactly what you need support with. We can start with where things are currently at and work from there.