Getting Started
What to expect in your first session
Taking the first step can feel daunting. Knowing what to expect often makes it easier. Here is a gentle overview of how things work, from your first enquiry through to your early sessions, so you can arrive feeling as prepared and at ease as possible.
Before we meet
It usually starts with a short message or phone call. You don’t need to explain everything, or even know exactly what’s wrong — a sentence or two about what’s bringing you to counselling is plenty. We’ll find a time that suits you and I’ll let you know where to go or how to join online.
Your free initial consultation
Your first contact is a free, no-obligation consultation. It’s a chance for us to meet, for you to ask questions, and to see how it feels to talk with me. There is no pressure to continue, and no need to prepare anything in advance. The aim is simply to help you decide whether this feels like the right fit for you.
What happens in the first full session
The first full session is a little more structured than those that follow, as it helps me understand what has brought you here and what you’d like from our work together. We might talk about:
- What’s happening for you at the moment and how it’s affecting your daily life.
- A little of your background, only as much as you feel comfortable sharing.
- What you’re hoping for — the changes or sense of relief you’d like to find.
- How we might work together, and any questions you have about the process.
You are always in control of what you share and when. There is no “right” way to do this, and you can take your time.
How you might feel
It’s completely normal to feel nervous, unsure, or even a little emotional — many people do, and it often eases within the first few minutes. Some people leave their first session feeling lighter; others feel they’ve simply made a start. Both are absolutely fine. Therapy is a process, and the first session is just the beginning of it.
Your privacy
What you share is treated in the strictest confidence. If you’d like to understand exactly how confidentiality works — and the rare limits to it — you can read more on the Confidentiality & Privacy page before we begin.
Practical details
- How long. Sessions usually last around 50 minutes.
- Where. In person in Clongriffin, Dublin 13, or online by secure video call — whichever suits you best.
- How often. Most people come weekly to begin with, though we’ll agree a rhythm that works for you.
- For how long. There’s no fixed number of sessions. Some people come for a few weeks, others for longer — it’s entirely led by you.
Taking the first step
Reaching out is often the hardest part. Whenever you feel ready, I’d be glad to hear from you and to arrange your free initial consultation — with no pressure and no obligation.