FAQs about Counselling

What can I expect at my first therapy session?

Often first sessions in counselling have some time designated to a “get to know you” period where you might have questions for me and we will spend time getting to know you and what brought you here. It is important to me to make space for you to express your hopes of what you would like from this experience, and any particular needs you have that help you feel as comfortable as possible. We will start at a pace that works for you.

How does therapy help?

For many of us, just having a safe, designated person and place where you can talk about worries, sadness, longings or anger is helpful in and of itself. But, counselling can also provide practical tools to use day to day to manage emotions, process feelings, gain clarity, and provide support through distressing times. It also helps us make sense of frightening or confusing experiences so we can better connect with the present moment, move on and enjoy our day to day.

What does working on ADHD in therapy look like?

If you’re coming to counselling to work on ADHD, we will start by getting to know your unique and beautiful brain! We will unpack how you work through daily tasks, school, work projects and how you function in relationships (including the one with yourself). After an adult ADHD diagnosis, it is often important to spend time making sense of earlier life events and memories, this may bring up feelings of sadness of what could have been, or joy at having uncovered understanding behind a pattern you saw in yourself long before you could put words to it. Depending on your goals, we might explore Cognitive behavioural therapy (also called CBT) as a way to provide structure and direction to a busy mind, or to reshape unhelpful thoughts about ADHD-related beliefs into healthier ones.

How should I feel after a counselling visit?

There is no right or wrong way to feel after a therapy session. But, regardless of what we work on, my hope is that you’ll leave feeling validated for your feelings and experiences and with a few new perspectives to consider. Beyond that, many different emotions can arise. You might leave feeling lighter, as though you were able to put down a heavy load. Sometimes if we’ve touched on painful memories or themes in your life, it is very normal and common to feel sad or a bit vulnerable. Even though these feelings can be uncomfortable, they are temporary and can indicate we are making progress.

How soon will I feel better?

Depending on what you’ve come to work on, relief can begin after even the first session. But for more complex issues, like traumatic memories, an eating disorder, or a significant loss, noticeable change can take time, sometimes months or years. Having said that, many people do some counselling work and then take a break and come back when they’re ready or have the funds. This is absolutely ok. What is important is that you continue to be curious about your feelings, behaviours and relationships. Journalling in between therapy sessions can also help the process move along tremendously.