Starting counselling for the first time can naturally create some uncertainty. When the appointment is taking place online, there may also be practical questions about how the session will work and what you need to prepare beforehand.
In most respects, the purpose of an online counselling session is similar to meeting a counsellor face-to-face.
Your first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss why you are considering counselling, what has been happening in your life and what you would like support with.
You do not need to prepare a perfect explanation.
Some people begin counselling following a specific event such as bereavement, relationship difficulties or a stressful period at work. Others simply recognise that they have been feeling anxious, unhappy or overwhelmed without being able to identify one particular reason.
Both are valid starting points.
When accessing professional online counselling, your first conversation can provide an opportunity to understand the counselling process while beginning to explore the concerns that encouraged you to seek support.
There are several practical steps that can make an online appointment more comfortable.
Finding a private location is particularly important.
Counselling may involve discussing personal experiences, so choose somewhere you can speak freely without worrying that family members, colleagues or other people can hear the conversation.
Headphones can provide additional privacy and may improve audio quality.
It is also worth checking your internet connection and device before the appointment.
Testing the camera and microphone a few minutes beforehand can prevent technical difficulties from using up valuable session time.
Notifications should ideally be disabled.
Emails, messages and social media alerts appearing throughout the session can interrupt concentration and make it harder to remain focused on the conversation.
Treating the appointment as dedicated time can also help.
One advantage of online counselling is that you do not need to travel, but this can sometimes mean people move directly from another activity into their session.
If possible, allow yourself ten minutes beforehand to settle.
Afterwards, you may also appreciate a short period before immediately returning to work, childcare or other responsibilities.
During an initial session, the counsellor may ask questions to better understand your circumstances.
These might include how long you have been experiencing particular difficulties, how they are affecting everyday life and what you hope may change through counselling.
You can also ask questions yourself.
You might want to know how frequently sessions are normally arranged, what therapeutic approach the counsellor uses or what you can expect from future appointments.
Feeling comfortable with the counsellor is important.
Counselling often involves discussing subjects that are not normally shared in everyday conversation. Developing trust can therefore take time.
You should not feel that everything needs to be explained during the first session.
Some people immediately feel comfortable talking openly, while others need several appointments before they feel ready to discuss particularly difficult experiences.
Both responses are normal.
It is also unrealistic to expect every concern to be resolved during one conversation.
Counselling is generally a process.
The first appointment is an opportunity to begin understanding what is happening and establish what you would like to work towards.
Online counselling can provide the additional benefit of attending from familiar surroundings.
For some people, being at home reduces the nervousness associated with entering an unfamiliar counselling practice.
Others may prefer face-to-face appointments because physically attending a separate location helps them focus.
The most appropriate format depends on individual circumstances and preferences.
If you are nervous before your first online session, remember that you are not expected to know exactly what to say.
Simply explaining what encouraged you to arrange the appointment is enough to begin the conversation.
