What to Expect at Your First Counselling Session in Surrey, BC
If you’ve never been to counselling before, you might imagine something like lying on a couch while someone silently nods as you talk about your feelings — and honestly, that doesn’t sound very inviting! So, let me take a few minutes to share what the experience is actually like when you come for an in-person counselling session in Surrey.
Whether you’re coming in for anxiety support, trauma processing, or couples therapy, I want you to know that the focus is on creating a space that feels safe, collaborative, and comfortable. You’re not just showing up to vent — you’re working with someone (me!) who’s here to support your goals and help you move forward.
A Warm, Welcoming Space
When you arrive at my Surrey counselling office, you’ll find a calm, quiet waiting area where you can settle in before your session begins. While I don’t have a front desk staff on-site, you’re welcome to help yourself to a tea or coffee, or just take a few deep breaths while you wait. I aim to keep the environment relaxed and inviting — the kind of place where you can start to exhale.
What Happens in Your First Session
Once we head into the counselling room, we’ll start by getting to know each other a little. I’ll invite you to share a bit about what brought you to counselling, and what you hope to get out of the experience. You’ll have already filled out some information in your intake form, but it’s helpful for me to hear your story in your own words — and to learn more about what’s been going on in your life lately, as well as any important relationships or events from your past.
Because I work from a trauma-informed perspective, I’m always mindful of creating space for your story to unfold at a pace that feels right for you. Some people find the first session to be a bit emotional or even uncomfortable — it’s not every day that we talk about the hard stuff with a complete stranger. Others feel a sense of relief, like finally putting down something heavy they've been carrying for a long time. Both are normal.
You’ll also have a chance to identify some goals for our work together. Therapy is a bit of a strange job — in many ways, I’m working to support you so well that you won’t need me forever. That doesn’t mean you can’t come back when life gets hard again, but it does mean that our focus is on helping you build tools, confidence, and clarity so you can feel more equipped to manage things on your own.
Wrapping Up Your Session
At the end of your first session, we’ll chat about how things felt and whether you think we’re a good fit. If it feels like a match, we’ll discuss a plan going forward. I typically recommend starting with weekly sessions for the first month or so, and then checking in to see what pace best supports your goals.
We’ll book your next session together before you leave, and you can pay through JaneApp or by Interac e-transfer — whichever is easier for you. Everything is kept simple and streamlined.
After Your Session
It’s totally normal to feel a little tender, emotional, or even a bit tired after your first session. Therapy can be a bit like going to the gym — you’re using muscles you may not have stretched in a while, and that takes energy. Be gentle with yourself afterward. A walk, a warm drink, or a quiet evening can help you ease back into the rest of your day.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re curious about starting therapy but still have some questions, feel free to reach out. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you get a sense of what working together might feel like. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out — just a willingness to begin.
You can connect with me in Surrey, BC through my contact page.
