Therapy, sometimes called counselling, is a service delivered in increments called sessions. So, you’ve booked yourself a counselling session, what’s next?

You will complete an “intake session” with your therapist (sometimes called counsellor or counselling therapist). Intake sessions look somewhat different than your usual therapy session; they are more directive, serve to give your counsellor some information about your presenting problem (why you are there and what you want), and provide some insight into your background and history. Your counsellor may ask you about your history in counselling, your family history, your current living situation, stressors in your life, and other questions to give them a good picture of what is going on for you. If you don’t connect well with your therapist during intake, that’s normal! We recommend booking one more session to see if you feel more of a therapeutic alliance during a regular counselling session. Regular sessions are more self-directed, since you are the expert on yourself, you decide how your counselling goes. The first session after intake is a better representation of your therapist’s counselling style (sometimes called modality, or the way that they deliver treatment).

Therapy serves as a safe and confidential space to speak about your difficulties with an expert. Your counsellor’s job is to provide a sounding board, helping you to see your difficulties from another perspective, draw on your personal strengths, and build supports around you to better cope with challenges and avoid future difficulties. The process of engaging in therapy can be challenging, and sometimes things may feel worse before they start to feel better. This is normal! Your counsellor has the ethical responsibility to do no harm, and will work diligently to ensure your personal safety throughout the process.

Outcomes of therapy can differ depending on a number of different factors including the relationship you develop with your counsellor, the commitment you demonstrate to the process, and a number of life circumstances outside of therapy. Outcomes you should expect are increased insight into the way your mind works (self discovery!) and increased control over how you are reacting to the outside world (emotional regulation!) . These two skills can improve how you function at work, in your family, and in relationships.