What to Expect from Your First Counselling Session at Eirene

Before You Arrive: The Intake Step

Your first counselling session at Eirene begins before you sit down in the room. After you book, you will receive a short intake form by email. It asks about your reasons for seeking counselling, your current stressors, and any previous experience with therapy. This is not a test, and there are no wrong answers.

Filling it out takes about ten minutes. If you prefer, you can complete it in the waiting area instead. The form helps your counsellor understand your situation so the first hour is not spent on basic facts. It also gives you a chance to note anything you find difficult to say out loud.

Arriving and Settling In

When you arrive at Eirene, you will be welcomed into a calm, private room. Your counsellor will offer you a seat and something to drink. The first few minutes are simply about getting comfortable. You do not need to start talking about anything painful right away.

Your counsellor will explain confidentiality, its limits, and how notes are stored. You can ask any questions about the process, the room, or the counsellor's approach. This part usually takes five to ten minutes and is meant to remove uncertainty.

The Heart of the Session: Exploring Your Story

For the next thirty to forty minutes, your counsellor will invite you to share what brought you to counselling. They may ask open questions such as, "What has been on your mind lately?" or "What would you like to be different?" You are in charge of how much you share.

Your counsellor will listen carefully, reflect back what they hear, and check that they understand you correctly. You might notice moments of silence. That is normal and often helpful. The aim is not to solve everything today but to begin building a clear picture of your concerns.

"You are the expert on your own life; my role is to walk alongside you."

Setting Goals Together

In the final fifteen minutes, your counsellor will summarise what they have heard and ask if the summary feels accurate. Then you will work together to set one or two initial goals. These goals are practical and flexible, such as reducing anxiety in social situations or improving communication with a partner.

You will also agree on the frequency of sessions and review any questions about fees or scheduling. Here is what the 60 minutes typically looks like:

What Comes Next

Before you leave, your counsellor will offer a few options for moving forward. You might decide to book another session, take some time to reflect, or try a specific exercise in the coming week. You will never be pressured to continue.

The first session is often about relief: you have taken a brave step. Many people feel tired afterwards, so plan something gentle for the rest of your day. Write down any thoughts that come up, and bring them to your next session. At Eirene, the first hour is the beginning of a working relationship built on trust, respect, and steady progress.

• You set the pace and decide what to share.
• Confidentiality is explained clearly and simply.
• Goals are created together, not imposed on you.
• You can ask questions at any point.

If you are still deciding whether to book, remember that the first step is often the hardest. A single session can give you clarity and a sense of direction. We look forward to meeting you.