Let’s face it: getting started in therapy can be empowering, but it can also be a bit scary—especially if you’re unsure about what to anticipate. Whether you are visiting for support with anxiety, issues in your relationship, cultural stress, or simply feeling “stuck”, coming in for your first counselling session is a courageous and significant start.
We offer trauma-informed, attachment-based perspective therapy at Mind Matters Counselling; compassionate, insightful, culturally competent and informed by research.
You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
So let’s get this out of the way. You don’t need to come in with the “right” answer for why you want counselling. Perhaps you have been feeling overwhelmed in some way? Perhaps you are struggling in your relationship with someone? Or maybe there is just a quiet heaviness that you can’t put your finger on? Regardless, that’s OK.
Your first session is a place for you to explore, not perform, and we will meet you right where you are.
Getting to Know You (and What You Need)
During your first session, your therapist will gently steer the conversation so they can get to know more about you. This will be about:
- What brings you in?
- A little about you (background, family, relationships, and work life).
- What are you hoping to work through, or what are the symptoms, problems, or goals you want to talk to a therapist about?
This can also be your opportunity to ask questions. We will inform you of what therapy looks like, how often sessions are recommended, and what our model looks like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), etc.
You are welcome to share what is helpful (or unhelpful!) so we can co-create a space that works for you.
A Trauma-Informed and Culturally Sensitive Approach
Commencing therapy can bring up specific cultural concerns for some South Asian clients (privacy, stigma, family expectations). We recognize that. The therapists at ACCESS are trained in trauma-informed practices and understand the intersection of culture, identity, and emotional well-being.
Our intention is to help you feel grounded and safe; without judgement and pressure. We are walking alongside you at your pace.
It’s Normal to Feel a Bit Nervous
It’s common to feel some nerves before your first therapy appointment. Many clients wonder, “Will I cry?” “What if I don’t know what to say?” This is all normal and part of the process.
Remember that you are not alone—and you don’t need to know the right words. You are enough just as you are.
Therapy that Meets You Where You Are
At Mind Matters Counselling we believe it’s important that therapy feels like you – not just what you are going through. That’s why we offer a blend of evidence-based approaches including CBT, IFS, ACT along with attachment-based work so you can go deeper into your self-alliance and self-connection.
Whether you are working through anxiety, relationship issues, grief, or childhood trauma our team of therapists are here to support you with compassion and knowledge.
Book a session with Mind Matters Counselling and take the next step toward healing—with support that’s trauma-informed, culturally attuned, and grounded in evidence-based practices.
