Taking the first step toward counselling is often the hardest part of the journey. If you are living with trauma or addiction, the idea of walking into a room and speaking to a stranger can feel overwhelming. You might wonder: Do I have to tell everything? Will I be judged? Where do we even start?
At WellSpeaking, the first session isn’t about “fixing” everything—it is about building the foundation of safety. Here is exactly what you can expect when you walk through the door.
1. A Breath of Space
The first few minutes are simply about arriving. Located in East Melbourne, our practice is designed to be a calm sanctuary away from the noise of the CBD. We start by ensuring you feel physically comfortable. You aren’t stepping into a clinical interrogation; you are entering a quiet, confidential space where you are in control.
2. Setting the “Ground Rules”
Before we dive into your story, we discuss the logistics that keep you safe. We cover:
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Confidentiality: Knowing that what you say stays here.
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Boundaries: Establishing how we work together.
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Your Pace: Reconfirming that you are the one who decides how much to share and when.
3. Your Story, Your Way
In a first session, I am primarily there to listen. I may ask what brought you here today and what you hope to change. You don’t need to have a “perfect” way of explaining your past. Whether you want to talk about specific events, your struggle with addiction, or just a general sense of feeling “stuck,” we start wherever you feel most comfortable.
4. Beyond the Words
Because I specialise in how trauma resonates in the body, we might touch on how you are feeling in the moment. You might notice tension in your shoulders or a heaviness in your chest. We don’t have to “solve” these feelings in hour one; we simply begin to acknowledge them.
5. Determining the Fit
The most important goal of the first session is to see if we are a good match. Research shows that the relationship between therapist and client is the biggest predictor of success. By the end of our time, you should have a clear sense of whether you feel safe, heard, and respected in this space.
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
The first session is an act of courage. It is the moment you stop carrying the full weight of your experience by yourself and begin to share the load with a professional who has spent 15 years helping others find their way back to themselves.
If you’re ready to take that first step, you can find me just 5 minutes from Parliament Train Station. There is no judgment here—only a space to speak.
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