Taking the First Step
Starting therapy doesn't have to feel overwhelming.
Reaching out to a counsellor can be one of the hardest parts of the whole process.
You might have been thinking about it for weeks, months or even years. You may be wondering whether your problems are "big enough", whether I'll be the right person for you, or what you'll be expected to say.
Those thoughts are completely understandable.
My aim is to make getting started feel as straightforward and comfortable as possible.
Step 1 – A free introductory phone call
The first step is a free 15–20 minute phone call.
This is an opportunity for us to get to know each other a little.
You can share as much as you feel comfortable and safe to about what's bringing you to counselling, and I'll explain how I work and answer any questions you have.
We can also talk about practicalities such as:
whether you'd prefer to meet outdoors, in my therapy room or online
appointment availability
whether we feel I'm the right therapist to support you
There is no obligation to book therapy afterwards. Sometimes people know immediately that they'd like to continue; others prefer to take some time to think.
Either is absolutely fine.
Step 2 – Booking your first session
If you decide you'd like to work with me, we'll arrange your first appointment at a time that suits us both.
Before we meet, I'll send you my counselling agreement. This explains practical matters such as confidentiality, cancellations, payment and how we communicate outside sessions, so you'll know exactly what to expect.
We'll go through any questions together before we begin our therapeutic work.
Step 3 – Your first counselling session
Many people worry that they'll have to tell their whole life story in the first session.
You don't.
We'll begin where you are now.
We'll explore what has brought you to therapy, what you hope might change and what feels most important for you to talk about. You only need to share what feels comfortable, and we'll move at a pace that feels right for you.
Therapy isn't something you have to perform or get right.
My role is to create a space where you can feel safe enough to begin exploring whatever is on your mind in whatever way works for you.
Ongoing therapy
Counselling isn't about rushing towards an outcome.
Some people come for a small number of sessions to work through a specific difficulty. Others choose longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, relationships or life experiences.
We'll review how things are going together, and you're always free to decide when the time feels right to finish therapy.
Where we can meet
You can choose the setting that feels most comfortable for you.
Therapy room
Face-to-face sessions at The Heath Business & Technical Park, Runcorn (WA7 4QX).
Outdoor therapy
Counselling in natural spaces around Runcorn, Frodsham and Widnes, where nature may become part of the therapeutic process.
Online
Secure online counselling for adults anywhere in the UK.
The Wonky Garden
Appointments are also available on Mondays between 10am and 3pm at The Wonky Garden in Ditton, Widnes.
Fees and availability
£52 per 50-minute counselling session
Monday to Thursday appointments
Evening appointments available
I also offer extended ecotherapy sessions, which include:
a planning phone call of up to 30 minutes
a two-hour outdoor therapeutic session
These cost £125 and can be booked as a one-off experience or as occasional wellbeing check-ins.
A note about finding the right therapist
The relationship between you and your therapist is one of the most important factors in successful counselling.
I hope you'll feel comfortable working with me, but it's equally important that you find someone who feels right for you. If, after our introductory conversation, either of us feels another therapist would be a better fit, we can talk about that openly.
Therapy works best when you feel able to be yourself.
Ready to get in touch?
Whether you're feeling certain or simply curious about whether counselling might help, you're very welcome to get in touch.
Email janinecounsellor@gmail.com, call 07714 954180, or use the contact form to arrange your free introductory phone call.
Taking the first step doesn't mean committing to therapy. It simply means starting a conversation.
