What To Expect

WHAT TO EXPECT

What to Expect from Counselling

Starting counselling can feel like a big step. You might feel unsure, nervous or even a bit scared. That is completely normal. This page will walk you through what usually happens, so you know what to expect before you get in touch.

Get in Touch

Before Your First Appointment

When you contact Tailored Counselling Solutions, you can briefly explain what you are looking for help with – either for yourself or for your child. You can do this by phone, email or through the contact form.

You can:

Ask any questions you have about counselling

Say if you prefer in-person, online or phone sessions

Mention any times or days that work best for you

You will then be offered an appointment time for your first session.

Your First Session – Assessment

Your first appointment is a slightly longer session than normal. This is called an assessment. It gives you and your counsellor enough time to get to know each other and understand what you need.

In this session, you can:

Talk about what has brought you (or your child) to counselling

Explain how things have been feeling recently

Share what you have already tried and what has or hasn’t helped

Think about what you would like to be different in the future

Your counsellor will listen carefully, ask gentle questions and check that counselling is the right type of support. At the end, you will talk together about the best way forward. There is no pressure to decide on everything straight away.

Ongoing Sessions

If you choose to continue, you will have regular sessions, usually once a week at the same time.

In ongoing sessions, you can:

Talk openly about your thoughts, feelings and worries

Go at your own pace – you never have to share more than you feel ready to

Learn simple, practical tools to handle stress, anxiety and low mood and mental health conditions

Explore patterns in your life and try new ways of coping

You can review how things are going at any time. Some people come for a short number of sessions; others stay longer. You and your counsellor decide together what feels most helpful.

A Safe, Confidential Space

Counselling is a private space for you. Your counsellor will:

Treat you with respect and kindness

Listen without judging you

Keep what you say confidential, within clear limits

There are a few times when your counsellor may need to share information – for example, if there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else, or a legal duty to do so. These limits are explained clearly at the start, so you know where you stand.

For children and young people, your counsellor will balance privacy for the young person with good communication with parents or carers, always with safety at the centre.

Practical Things to Know:

You will agree a regular time and day for sessions where possible.

You will be told about the fee, how to pay, and the cancellation policy before you start.

You can ask for in-person sessions in Bridlington, or online/phone sessions if that suits you better.

Feeling Nervous Is Okay

Many people worry about things like:

“What if I cry?”

“What if I sit in silence?”

“What if I don’t know what to say?”

All of this is normal in counselling. Your counsellor understands and will help you feel as comfortable as possible. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to be in the session. Just turning up is already a strong first step.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you feel it might be time to get some support for yourself or your child, you don’t have to do it alone.

Get in touch today to ask any questions or book your first counselling appointment.

Make A Booking