What to expect from your first online counselling session

Your first online counselling session is an assessment and orientation appointment. It is not a formal interview or test; it is an opportunity for you and your counsellor to understand your current concerns and agree on a clinical plan.

At the start of the session, your counsellor will confirm your identity, your location, and your contact details. They will also check that you are in a private, safe space and that you have a reliable internet connection. If you have a Victims Services approval letter, please have it available.

The counsellor will ask about the difficulties you are experiencing, any relevant history, and what you hope to achieve from counselling. You do not need to share everything at once. The pace is guided by you.

By the end of the session, your counsellor will usually outline a provisional treatment plan, discuss the likely number of sessions, and explain how to arrange follow-up appointments. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time.