What Happens in Counselling Sessions: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction – What Happens in Counselling?

Embarking on a journey of counselling therapy can be both exciting and daunting. If you’re new to talking therapy, you might wonder what happens in counselling therapy. Understanding what happens in counselling can help ease your nerves and prepare you for a productive therapeutic experience. This guide aims to demystify the counselling process and offer insight into what you can expect during your sessions.

What Is Counselling?

Counselling is a form of talking therapy where you work with a trained therapist to explore and address your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It provides a safe and confidential space to discuss issues that are affecting your mental health and well-being. In the UK, counselling can take many forms, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), person-centred therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, among others.

The Structure of Your First Counselling Session

Introductions and Building Rapport

Your first session will typically begin with introductions. This is a chance for you and your therapist to get to know each other. Building a good rapport is essential as it lays the foundation for a trusting therapeutic relationship. You don’t need to dive into your deepest concerns immediately; it’s perfectly fine to start with general topics like your day-to-day experiences or recent events.

Establishing Your Needs and Goals

During the initial stages, your therapist will focus on understanding why you are seeking counselling. They may ask you about your current struggles, previous experiences with therapy, and your expectations for the sessions. This helps them tailor the therapy to your specific needs. For example, they might ask:

• What motivated you to seek therapy at this time?
• Have you previously engaged in any form of therapy or mental health support?
• What are your primary goals for counselling?

Initial Assessments and Questions

Your therapist might conduct an initial assessment to gauge your mental health and well-being. This can include discussing your symptoms, family history of mental health issues, and any past trauma or significant life events. Some typical questions might be:

• Have you experienced symptoms like anxiety or depression?
• What is your home and social environment like?
• Are there any ongoing issues with self-harm or suicidal thoughts?

They may also provide you with a form or questionnaire to assess your level of distress or anxiety at the beginning and periodically throughout your therapy.

The Counselling Process: What to Expect in Ongoing Sessions

• Personalised approach: As therapy progresses, sessions will focus on you as the client. The approach will be person-centred, meaning that the sessions are designed around your individual needs and preferences. You will be encouraged to bring up any issues or topics that you feel are important. Understanding what happens in counselling can make it easier to engage with the process fully.
• Therapeutic techniques and methods: Depending on the type of therapy being used, your sessions may include various techniques. For instance, cognitive behavioural therapy may involve identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, while psychodynamic therapy might explore unconscious influences from your past. This understanding of what happens in counselling can help you feel more comfortable with the methods used.
• Progress and feedback: Throughout your counselling, you will have opportunities to provide feedback on the process. This helps ensure that the therapy remains relevant and effective. Your therapist will monitor your progress and may adjust their approach based on your feedback and evolving needs. Knowing what happens in counselling helps you track your progress and communicate effectively with your therapist.

Confidentiality and Ethical Considerations

Counselling sessions in the UK are confidential, meaning that what you discuss with your therapist is kept private. The only exceptions to this are if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. Many therapists will also provide a client-therapist agreement outlining confidentiality and other ethical guidelines. Understanding what happens in counselling regarding confidentiality can reassure you about the safety of your discussions.

Our Facilities at Sheffield Wellness Centre

At the Sheffield Wellness Centre, we are dedicated to providing a serene and supportive environment for your counselling sessions. Our centre is designed to be a calm and quiet retreat where you can feel comfortable and at ease. We have a welcoming waiting room, complete with tea and coffee facilities to make your visit more pleasant.

Our facilities include several private therapy rooms, each designed to ensure a confidential and secure space for your sessions. In addition to in-person counselling, some of our experienced counsellors also offer telephone and online counselling through platforms such as Zoom and Skype. This flexible approach allows you to choose a delivery method that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Understanding what happens in counselling at our centre will help you make an informed decision about starting therapy with us.

For more details about our counselling services, including session availability and prices, please visit the individual profiles of our counsellors. There, you will find comprehensive information about their delivery methods and how they can support your mental health journey. Our team is committed to ensuring that you have a clear understanding of what happens in counselling and how it can benefit you.

After Your Counselling Session: Next Steps

• Reflect on your session: After your session, take some time to reflect on what was discussed and how you felt about the session. It’s normal to have mixed emotions or questions. Evaluating your feelings can help you decide if you wish to continue with this therapist or explore other options.
• Home assignments and homework: Your therapist may suggest some activities or “homework” to work on between sessions. This could involve journaling, practising new coping strategies, or reading relevant material. These tasks are designed to complement your therapy and help you apply what you’ve learned to real-life situations.

Conclusion

Counselling therapy is a collaborative process aimed at helping you understand and address your concerns. Each session is an opportunity to explore your thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment. By understanding what happens in counselling, you can enter your sessions with a clearer idea of the process, which can enhance your overall experience.

If you’re considering counselling and have more questions about what happens in counselling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified counsellor at the Sheffield Wellness Centre for guidance. They can provide further details on what to expect and how counselling can support your mental health journey.