That First Step

What to Expect from Your Free 20-Minute Chat

Picking up the phone — or sitting down to type that first message — can feel like the hardest part of starting therapy. You might not be entirely sure what you want to say, or whether what you're carrying is "enough" to bring to a counsellor. Perhaps you've been going back and forth on it for a while.

That's exactly why I offer a free, no-obligation 20-minute introductory online video call or phone call. Not to sell you on therapy. Not to assess or diagnose you. Simply to give us both the chance to talk, at no cost or commitment, before you decide anything at all.

Here's what that conversation actually looks like.

You Don't Need to Have It All Figured Out

Most people who contact a therapist don't arrive with a neatly packaged explanation of what's wrong. That's fine — genuinely. You might say something like "I've been struggling for a while and I'm not sure where to start," and that's a perfectly valid starting point.

In those first few minutes, I'll simply invite you to share a little about what's brought you to this point. What's been on your mind? What made you reach out now, rather than six months ago? There are no right or wrong answers. I'm not judging how clearly you can articulate things — I'm listening for what matters to you. This part of the conversation is yours to lead. I might ask a gentle question or two to help you find the thread, but mostly, I want to hear from you.

Exploring Whether We're the Right Fit

Therapy works best when there's genuine trust between client and counsellor, and that doesn't happen automatically. One of the most important things this call does is give us both the chance to get a feel for whether working together makes sense. I'll be honest with you about my experience and the areas I specialise in. If what you're bringing feels like a good match for how I work, I'll say so. If I think you'd be better served by someone else, I'll say that too, and do my best to point you in the right direction. You're also completely free to decide this isn't the right fit for you, and you don't owe me any explanation for that and no offence is taken.

Talking Through the Practical Side

If we both feel positive about working together, I'll walk you through how sessions work — so there are no surprises. We'll talk about meeting weekly, which is the rhythm that tends to work best for ongoing counselling. Consistency matters: it allows us to build on each session rather than starting from scratch each time.

I'll explain the options available to you. Sessions take place in person in my private, peaceful annexe with a beautiful view of the South Downs, making our time together completely confidential and undisturbed. Sessions can also take place online via video call — which suits a lot of people for its flexibility.

We'll also cover the practical things: how long each session lasts, my fees, what happens if you need to cancel, and how we communicate between sessions. I want you to feel completely clear on what you're agreeing to before you commit to anything.

What Happens Next Is Up to You

At the end of the 20 minutes, there's no pressure. You might want to take some time to think it over, and that's absolutely fine. You might want to go ahead and book your first session — also fine. Or you might decide it's not for you right now, which I respect completely. The call exists to give you information and to let you make a decision that feels right for you. That's it.

Ready to Take That First Step?

If you've been considering therapy and something in this post has resonated, I'd encourage you to reach out. A 20-minute online or phone conversation costs you nothing, and it might be the conversation that changes things.

You can get in touch here and we'll find a time that works.