Your First Session: Getting to Know Each Other

The initial session is all about building a foundation. There is no pressure to "fix" everything right away. Instead, we will focus on:

• Setting the Groundwork: We will briefly cover the administrative details, including privacy, boundaries, and how confidentiality works.

• Understanding Your Story: We will talk about what has brought you to counselling at this moment in your life, what challenges you are facing, and how they are impacting your day-to-day.

• Defining Your Goals: We will explore what you hope to get out of our time together. This could be anything from learning practical coping strategies for anxiety to simply having a confidential space to process a difficult life transition.

Ongoing Sessions: The Flow of Therapy

Subsequent sessions are collaborative and tailored entirely to you. While every person’s journey is different, a typical session usually involves:

• Checking In: We’ll start by reviewing how your week has been and tracking any progress or hurdles since our last meeting.

• Deepening the Conversation: We will explore your thoughts, feelings, and behavioural patterns. Together, we’ll look at the root causes of your challenges and identify your existing strengths.

• Practical Tools & Insights: Depending on your goals, we may work on practical skills—such as communication techniques, boundary-setting, or mindfulness practices—that you can implement outside the therapy room.

How it Feels

• You are in control: You decide what you want to talk about and how much you want to share. If you aren't ready to discuss a certain topic, we won't.

• A space just for you: Unlike conversations with well-meaning friends or family, a counselling session is completely focused on your needs, without any expectation for you to look after anyone else's feelings.

Session Details

• Duration: Each standard session lasts for a full 60 minutes.

• Format: Available in-person at our Goulburn rooms, or via secure telehealth (video/phone) Australia-wide.

• Frequency: This is entirely up to you. Many clients choose to start with weekly or fortnightly sessions to build momentum, later moving to monthly check-ins as they feel more confident.

What to Expect in a Counselling Session

Taking the first step toward counselling can feel daunting, especially if you have never been before. Knowing what to expect can help ease those nerves. At our practice, we provide a safe, respectful, and entirely non-judgmental space where you can share your story at your own pace.

We offer face-to-face sessions at our Goulburn clinic, as well as telehealth options if you prefer the comfort and convenience of attending from home.