1. June 2026

Ready to start, what are the next steps?

Step one:

Documentation:

Once you have made the decision to seek support, you may be wondering about what happens next. First, you will be sent a Counselling agreement. The Counselling agreement is a document that contains information regarding confidentiality and its limits. The limits of confidentiality are:

If you are risk to yourself,

There’s a serious risk of harm to another person.

There are safeguarding concerns involving a child or a vulnerable adult.

Information relates to acts of terrorism, money laundering, drug trafficking, or other serious criminal activity where there is a legal duty to disclose. Wherever possible I will discuss any need to share information with you before taking action, unless doing so would increase risk or prevent appropriate safeguarding measures.

This agreement ensures that you fully understand the limits of confidentiality, and you are fully aware and informed that how much and what you share, will determine the possibility of external agencies providing additional support.

You will be asked to sign the document as confirmation that you fully understand confidentiality and its limits. If you need to ask questions or unsure of this process, you can speak to your Counsellor about this matter at any time during your Counselling sessions. Also included with the agreement, is a personal details form, and a list of frequently asked questions. The form contains basic personal details and also a request for an emergency contact number. These details are kept safe and secure, and are soley used for record keeping and insurance purposes.

Emergency contact details will only be used in the event to an emergency where you may need additional support from someone close to you. These details are not used to contact you regarding sessions, payments, or absences. The frequently asked questions page is for information purposes only, you can still ask questions throughout the time of your sessions.

Step two:

Our first session will be an opportunity for me to find out more about your reasons for Counselling. You can disclose as much or as little as you choose. it is your story, your way. As you tell me about your reasons for Counselling, I will actively listen with empathy and understanding, and ensure your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, are heard, seen, and validated.

Step three:

As our sessions continue, your reasons for Counselling can bring more self-awareness and self discovery of who you are, and why. It can increase self-awareness self-esteem and inner confidence and feelings of empowerment. This new sense of self can create more deeper meaningful relationships, creating or improving personal boundaries, and feeling more willing to have more open and honest communication with others.

Step four:

What happens in between our sessions?

After each session, you may feel reflective and still maybe processing the issues that were raised during the session. This is very common and it does get easier, as it is part of the Counselling process. Sometimes clients are reluctant to say how they feel openly and honestly to those around them. To release this, they may choose to write in a reflective journal or write therapeutic letters, to release their thoughts and feelings in a written form. These notes or reflective writing can be discussed in the next session where necessary.

Step five:

What happens as sessions progress?

Once you have gained confidence to express your thoughts and feelings more openly and honestly, your ability to reflect and understand your situation can release internalised thoughts and feelings. Your explanations and length of disclosure will start to become reduced, and your reasons for Counselling will slowly begin to be resolved.

Step 6:

What happens next?

As your disclosures thoughts and feelings begin to become clearer, your mental health and daily life struggles starts to improve and becomes more  easier to manage.

Step 7:

Ending sessions

Once your reasons for Counselling have been explained and you have reflected and processed your thoughts and feelings, sessions will come to a natural conclusion. This becomes aware to both client and Counsellor when the client no longer has any concerns that need discussion. Sessions can be of any length and will be different for each individual client. Counsellor’s do  emphasise that clients can inform them at any time if they wish to and sessions no matter the reason. This can be confirmed via email telephone call or discussed in  session. This is the choice of the client.

Life after Counselling?

Counselling can provide feelings of empowerment confidence and coping skills and strategies. From time to time there may be other reasons for Counselling that you may feel you also need additional support. This is quite common and is more than okay if you feel your need more sessions or a check-in with your Counsellor, you can get in touch at any time to discuss your needs and requirements.

Disclaimer and Confidentiality

The themes discussed in this blog and the accompanying podcast are based on my experiences as a counsellor and the common reasons people choose to access counselling. No client disclosures, personal details, identifying information, or individual client experiences are used within this content. Protecting confidentiality is a fundamental part of my work and is something I take very seriously.

Take care.
Lynda Peters (MBACP)

BACP Registration Number: 411958
Bsc (HONS) Counselling & Psychotherapy 
Shropshire | West Midlands
Online & Telephone Counselling Across the UK
Professional Standards
For reassurance, 
I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) (Registration Number: 411958).
This means I work within a recognised Ethical Framework, supported by regular supervision, ongoing professional development, and high standards of practice.
You can feel reassured that your counselling experience with me is held within a safe, confidential, ethical, and professionally guided environment.