FAQs about Counselling

What can I expect at my first therapy session?

First sessions in counselling typically involve me asking you some general questions about why you decided to come to therapy, what you’re hoping to get from the experience, and any particular needs or requests you have that might help you feel as comfortable as possible. We won’t talk about anything you don’t want to talk about or jump in to sensitive material unless you want to.

How does therapy help?

For many people, simply having a safe, designated person and place to talk about their worries, sadness, longings or anger is helpful in and of itself. But, counselling can do a lot more than that. Counselling can give us practical tools to use in our day to day life to better manage our emotions, help us feel clearer about what is important to us, and help us get through distressing times. Therapy can also help 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 happens in ADHD Therapy?

If you’re coming to counselling to work on ADHD, we will start by identifying which symptoms are bothering you most. From there, we will sort out what is within your control to change and which aspects of ADHD may simply need to be accepted. We will likely use cognitive behavioural therapy (also called CBT) to reshape old, unhelpful thoughts about our ADHD-related behaviours into new, functional ones. We may also work on practical strategies for managing time and focus, and getting tasks completed. Sadly, many people with ADHD have feelings of shame about things that are or have been, difficult to do; these feelings can also be softened or resolved through counselling by processing old emotional patterns that aren’t working for us anymore.

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. Beyond that, many different emotions can arise. You might leave feeling lighter, as though you were able to put down a heavy load you’d been carrying. Sometimes though, especially if we’ve touched on painful memories or themes in your life, it is very normal and common to have feelings of sadness, confusion or anger. Even though these feelings can be uncomfortable, they 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.