Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and it is completely normal to feel nervous beforehand. Many people tell us they almost did not come, or that they sat in the car for a few minutes first. Wherever you are on that spectrum, you are welcome here.
You do not need to prepare anything, rehearse what to say, or have the right words ready. Knowing roughly what will happen can take some of the uncertainty away, so here is what a first session with us actually looks like.
Before we begin: the free consultation
Before booking a full session, we offer a free 15-minute initial consultation. It is a relaxed conversation, not an assessment. You can ask questions, get a feel for how we work, and decide whether it feels right — with no pressure and no commitment.
Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with matters more than almost anything else, so we see this first step as genuinely important rather than a formality.
The first session is mostly about getting to know you
A first session is gentle. We will usually ask a little about what has brought you to therapy and what you are hoping for, but there is no script you have to follow and nothing you have to disclose before you are ready.
You do not need a diagnosis, and you do not need to have it all worked out. Sometimes simply recognising that something does not feel quite right is enough to begin.
You set the pace
This is your space. You are always in control of what you share and when. If a subject feels too tender, we will not push — we will work at a pace that feels safe for you.
Some people arrive with a great deal they want to say; others find words slowly. Both are completely fine.
Confidentiality and how we work
What you bring to therapy is confidential. We are registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work within its ethical framework, and we will explain the few, rare limits to confidentiality clearly at the start so you know exactly where you stand.
Our approach is grounded in compassion, curiosity and connection. We will not judge you, and there is no such thing as a problem too small to bring.
In person in Wakefield, or online
You can choose to meet face to face in Wakefield or to have your sessions online from wherever you are. Online therapy is just as effective for most people and can make support far easier to fit around work, travel and caring responsibilities.
If you are not sure which would suit you, we can talk it through together.
It is okay to feel unsure afterwards
Therapy can stir things up, and it is normal to leave a first session feeling a mix of relief, tiredness or uncertainty. That does not mean it is not working — it often means something has begun to move.
If you decide we are not the right fit, that is genuinely okay. The most important thing is that you find the support that is right for you.
Common Questions
How long is a session?
A standard therapy session lasts around 50 minutes. The free initial consultation is shorter, at around 15 minutes.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No. You can contact us directly — there is no need for a GP referral or a diagnosis to begin therapy with us.
Will I have to talk about my childhood straight away?
Not at all. You share what you want, when you want. We follow your lead and never pressure you to go anywhere you are not ready to go.
What if I do not think it is the right fit?
That is completely understandable and we will not take it personally. Finding the right therapist matters, and we are happy to help you think about what might suit you better.