FACE-TO-FACE COUNSELLING IN LINCOLN
What to Expect from Face-to-Face Counselling
A gentle introduction to your counselling journey
Taking the first step towards counselling can feel daunting, particularly if you have never attended a session before. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable, reassured and confident about seeking support.
At Fiona Jane Therapy & Coaching, the aim is to provide a welcoming, confidential and non-judgemental space where you can explore your experiences at a pace that feels right for you.
Explore Face-to-Face CounsellingWhat Happens at Your First Counselling Session?
Getting to know one another and understanding your needs
Your first face-to-face counselling session is an opportunity to meet your counsellor, begin getting comfortable and talk about what has brought you to counselling.
You do not need to prepare a speech, explain everything perfectly or share difficult experiences before you feel ready.
The first meeting may include discussing confidentiality, how counselling works, what you hope to gain from sessions and any questions you have.
01. A Warm Welcome
Time to settle into the counselling environment and begin feeling comfortable.
02. Understanding Your Reasons
An opportunity to explore what has been happening in your life and why you are seeking support.
03. Exploring Your Hopes
Space to discuss what you would like to understand, change or work towards.
04. Discussing Next Steps
Time to consider how future sessions might work and whether counselling feels right for you.
Do I Need to Prepare for Counselling?
There is no right or wrong way to begin
You do not need to arrive with a clear understanding of your feelings or a list of things to discuss. Counselling is a space where those thoughts can gradually become clearer.
Some people find it useful to reflect on their reasons for seeking counselling before their first appointment. Others prefer to allow the conversation to unfold naturally.
- Think about what has prompted you to seek support.
- Consider any questions you would like to ask.
- Allow enough time to arrive without feeling rushed.
- Remember that you can share information at your own pace.
- Give yourself time afterwards to reflect on the experience.
What Will We Talk About During Counselling?
Your sessions are centred around you
Face-to-face counselling offers space to explore whatever feels important in your life. This may include difficult emotions, relationships, personal challenges, significant changes or experiences that have been affecting your wellbeing.
There is no fixed script for a counselling session. Some sessions may involve talking through particular events, while others may focus on understanding feelings, noticing patterns or reflecting on your experiences.
You remain in control of what you choose to discuss. Your counsellor is there to listen, support your exploration and help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
You do not have to know exactly what to say. Counselling provides a space to discover what you need to say, in your own time.
What if I Feel Nervous or Emotional?
Whatever you are feeling is welcome
Feeling anxious before your first counselling appointment is very common. You may worry about becoming upset, not knowing what to say or feeling uncomfortable discussing personal experiences.
These feelings can be explored as part of the counselling process. There is no expectation to be composed, confident or emotionally ready for every conversation.
If you need a moment of silence, want to pause or find yourself struggling to explain something, that is okay. Counselling can offer room for these experiences without judgement.
Is Face-to-Face Counselling Confidential?
Understanding privacy and professional boundaries
Confidentiality is an important foundation of the therapeutic relationship. Counselling provides a private setting where you can discuss personal experiences within clearly explained professional boundaries.
Your counsellor should explain how your information is handled and the circumstances in which confidentiality may be limited, including safeguarding concerns or legal obligations.
You are welcome to ask questions about confidentiality before sharing anything personal.
How Many Counselling Sessions Will I Need?
Finding a pace that works for you
There is no single answer to how many counselling sessions someone needs. Some people seek support with a particular situation, while others benefit from having longer-term space to explore their experiences.
Your needs, goals and preferences can be discussed and reviewed as counselling progresses. You do not have to know at the beginning how long you would like to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to talk about everything in my first session?
No. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. There is no pressure to discuss difficult experiences immediately.
What if I don't know what to say?
That is completely fine. Your counsellor can help you explore what feels important, and silence can be a natural part of the process.
Will my counsellor judge me?
Counselling aims to provide a respectful and non-judgemental environment where you can explore your experiences openly.
Can I stop counselling if it doesn't feel right?
You can discuss your concerns and decide whether to continue. Any agreed cancellation arrangements or fees should be explained before you begin.
Is it normal to feel nervous before counselling?
Yes. Many people experience nervousness before their first appointment, especially when discussing personal experiences with someone new.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Explore face-to-face counselling in Lincoln
You do not need to have everything worked out before seeking support. Counselling can offer a space to begin exploring what matters to you.
Find Out More About CounsellingAbout Fiona Jane
Fiona offers integrative counselling and coaching for relationships, anxiety, depression and wellbeing—online and across Lincolnshire.
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Other Ways I Can Support You
Explore counselling services and therapeutic approaches with Fiona Jane
Counselling is personal, and the kind of support you need will depend on what is happening in your life, your relationships and what you would like help with. Explore the services below to find out more.
01
Online Counselling
Confidential video counselling that allows you to access professional support from the privacy and comfort of your own space.
Explore Online Counselling
02
Couples Counselling
A supportive space for partners experiencing communication difficulties, recurring conflict, disconnection, trust issues or relationship change.
Explore Couples Counselling
03
Family Counselling
Support for family members experiencing communication difficulties, conflict, relationship changes, loss or disconnection.
Explore Family Counselling
04
Person-Centred Counselling
A compassionate, accepting and non-judgemental approach that gives you space to explore your experiences at your own pace.
Explore Person-Centred Counselling
05
Integrative Counselling
A flexible way of working that draws on different therapeutic approaches according to you, your experiences and what you need.
Explore Integrative Counselling
06
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Explore how thoughts, feelings and behaviours influence one another and develop practical ways of responding differently.
Explore CBT
07
Anxiety Counselling
Counselling support for anxiety, worry, overthinking, fear, panic and the feeling that your mind rarely switches off.
Explore Anxiety Counselling
08
Depression Counselling
A supportive place to talk about low mood, emptiness, loss of motivation, isolation and feeling disconnected from yourself or life.
Explore Depression Counselling
09
Bereavement Counselling
Compassionate counselling for grief, loss and the many emotional and practical changes that can follow a bereavement.
Explore Bereavement CounsellingYou don't need to know which type of counselling you need before getting in touch.
If you're unsure which service or approach may be most appropriate, you are welcome to tell me a little about what is bringing you to counselling. We can begin with where you are now.
Contact Fiona