🌿 What Happens in Your First Counselling Session?
Hi, my name is Sarah.
I'm a qualified counsellor, hypnotherapist, and relaxation coach, offering support to young adults and adults, both online across the UK and face-to-face in Woodley and Henley, Reading (Berkshire).
You may be considering starting counselling, or perhaps someone close to you has recommended it. From personal experience, I know how overwhelming that first step can feel. It’s completely normal if it takes time.
❓ Common Questions Before Starting Therapy
When you’re thinking about beginning therapy, it’s natural to ask:
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What will I talk about?
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What if I don’t want to share everything straight away?
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Is it confidential?
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Can I change my mind?
These are all valid concerns, and you're not alone in having them. I'm here to help ease those worries and offer a space where you can move at your own pace.
🧠 Counselling Is for Everyone
You don’t need to be in crisis to seek counselling. It’s for anyone who wants support navigating:
You’re always in control of what you share, how we work, and how far you want to go. If you change your mind or need to pause, that’s okay too.
💬 What Happens in the First Session?
The first session is simply a conversation. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say. Some people come in and say, “I’m not sure why I’m here—I just know I don’t feel right.” That’s more than enough.
We’ll take time to:
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Talk about what’s brought you here
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Explore your goals (if you have any—many people don’t at first)
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Explain how sessions work, and answer your questions
It’s also a chance for you to get a feel for whether I’m the right counsellor for you. That connection matters.
🧘♀️ Other Ways I Support Clients
Alongside counselling, I also offer:
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Hypnotherapy for anxiety, confidence, and emotional healing
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Relaxation sessions (individual and group) to support stress relief and emotional regulation
Some clients choose to combine talking therapy with hypnotherapy or attend relaxation classes alongside counselling—it’s a flexible and tailored approach to your needs.
🌱 A Safe, Supportive Space
Counsellors are just people too. We all carry our own stories—but we’re trained to listen, reflect, and walk alongside you without judgment.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about giving you the space to feel heard, understand yourself better, and find your own way forward.
📍 Where and How I Work
I offer therapy:
Sessions are gentle, flexible, and centred around you.
Book a Free Consultation
Contact Me
💬 Final Thoughts
That first session might feel unfamiliar. But once you take that step, it often becomes easier than you imagined. When we feel safe and truly heard, something shifts—and the path ahead begins to feel lighter.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Just a willingness to start.
Warmly,
Sarah
Counsellor • Hypnotherapist • Relaxation Coach
✨ Quick Links:
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