What to Expect in Your
First Counselling Session

It's completely normal to feel nervous before your first counselling session in Nanaimo. You might wonder what you'll be asked, whether you'll have to talk about everything right away, or whether counselling is even right for you.

The short answer is: your first session is low-pressure, and you're in control of how much you share.

Here's exactly what to expect.

Before Your First Session

Once you've booked your appointment — whether in-person in Nanaimo or virtually anywhere in BC — you'll receive a confirmation with any intake paperwork to complete beforehand. This typically includes basic contact information, your reason for seeking counselling, and a review of confidentiality and consent.

You don't need to prepare anything specific. Just show up as you are.

What Happens in the First 10 Minutes

The first part of the session is about getting comfortable. We'll take a few minutes to settle in, go over any paperwork, and review confidentiality — what stays private, and the rare situations where it can't.

Getting to Know You

The heart of the first counselling session is simply conversation. I'll ask you some open questions to understand what's brought you in and what you're hoping to get from counselling.

These might include things like:

• What's been going on for you lately?
• How long have you been feeling this way?
• What would feel different if things improved?

You don't have to have all the answers. Sometimes people come in knowing exactly what they want to work on — other times, they just know something isn't right. Both are completely fine starting points.

You're Never Pushed to Share More Than You're Ready To

One of the most common fears people have before a first counselling session is that they'll be asked to immediately go deep into painful territory.

That's not how it works here.

The first session is about building a foundation — understanding your situation, your goals, and making sure you feel safe and comfortable. We move at your pace, always.

Setting Goals Together

Toward the end of the first session, we'll start to think about what you'd like to focus on and how counselling might help. This might include:

• Short-term goals — feeling less overwhelmed, sleeping better, managing anxiety
• Longer-term goals — processing past experiences, improving relationships, rebuilding confidence
• Session frequency — how often you'd like to meet and in what format

There's no obligation to commit to anything after the first session. It's as much about you deciding if this is a good fit as it is about anything else.

How Long is the First Session?

Individual counselling sessions are 50 minutes. If you've booked a free 15-minute consultation, that's a shorter, informal call — just to meet, ask questions, and see if we're a good fit before committing to a full session.

In-Person & Virtual Counselling in Nanaimo and Across BC

First sessions are available both in-person in Nanaimo and virtually for clients anywhere in British Columbia. Virtual sessions are conducted over a secure video platform — all you need is a private space and a stable internet connection.

Common Questions Before a First Session

Do I need a referral?

No. You can book directly — no referral from a doctor is required. If you're using ICBC funding after a motor vehicle accident, a referral or claim number may be needed. See ICBC Counselling Nanaimo for details.

What if I don't know what to talk about?

That's okay — and more common than you think. You can simply say "I don't really know where to start" and we'll go from there together. The first session is a conversation, not a presentation.

Is counselling covered by insurance?

Many extended health benefit plans cover counselling with a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC). I offer direct billing to Pacific Blue Cross, Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life, Green Shield, and others. Call your insurance provider to confirm your coverage before your first session.

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