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.

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 do a lot more than that. Therapy can give us practical tools to use in our day to day life to better manage your emotions, process your feelings, gain clarity, and provide support through distressing times. It 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 if I want to work on ADHD issues in 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 need to be acceptance and care. Cognitive behavioural therapy (also called CBT) can be helpful with ADHD work, as it helps to reshape old, unhelpful thoughts about ADHD-related beliefs and behaviours into helpful 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.

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.