You do not need to know exactly what to say.
Starting counselling can feel unfamiliar.
You may be wondering what will happen, whether you will be expected to share everything at once, or whether you are even ready.
You do not need to arrive with a clear plan.
The first session is simply a place to begin.
Before your first session.
After booking, you will receive confirmation and any practical information you need before we meet.
There is nothing elaborate to prepare.
You may like to think about what has brought you here, but you do not need to have your story organised or your next steps figured out.
Your first session.
The first session is a chance to slow down and talk about what is feeling difficult.
Liz will take time to understand what has brought you to counselling, what matters most right now, and what support may be helpful. You can ask questions, share at your own pace, and decide whether &pause feels like the right fit.
There is no pressure to explain everything immediately.
Ongoing sessions.
Counselling is collaborative.
Some sessions may be practical and focussed on tools for daily life. Others may create room to reflect, understand patterns, or work through experiences that still affect you.
The pace is shaped around you.
Healing is not always linear, but over time counselling can help you feel more grounded, clear and able to respond with greater choice.
Privacy & safety.
You can read more about privacy, consent and confidentiality in the Privacy and Practice Information page.
What you share in counselling is treated with care and confidentiality.
There are limited circumstances where information may need to be shared to keep you or someone else safe, or where required by law.
Common Questions
