Minutes 0–10
Confidentiality and its limits, the practicalities, and what you want out of the session. Questions welcome here.
Melbourne guides · 06
What happens in a first counselling session
A first counselling session is a calm conversation about what brought you here, what you have tried, and what you want to be different — finishing with two or three agreed goals.
In short
A first counselling session at Melbourne Counselling Centre runs 50 minutes. It covers confidentiality and practicalities, what brought you here, a plain-language account of what appears to be happening, and two or three agreed goals with one practical thing to try that week. No diagnosis is given.
You will not be assessed, diagnosed or asked to complete a questionnaire in the room. The session opens with what is happening now, moves to the history that is relevant to it, and closes with a plan. Most people talk for more of it than they expect to, and most say afterwards that the anticipation was worse than the appointment.
All sessions run 50 minutes. You will be asked to complete a short intake form beforehand so the time is spent on the work rather than on admin, and you will receive a written summary afterwards with anything agreed for the week ahead.
Minutes 10–35
What brought you here, in your words. What has been tried, what helped, what made it worse.
Minutes 35–45
A plain-language account of what I think is happening, and space for you to disagree with it.
Minutes 45–50
Two or three goals, a plan for the next few sessions, and one practical thing to try this week.
Questions people ask
Do I have to tell my whole story?+
No. Bring what is loudest. Organising the story is part of my job, not a prerequisite for turning up.
Will I be given a diagnosis?+
No. Counsellors do not diagnose. If a diagnosis or assessment would help you, I will refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.
How many sessions will I need?+
We set goals in the first session and review them roughly every fourth. Many people notice a shift within three to six sessions.
What if I decide not to come back?+
That is entirely your call and there is no lock-in. A planned ending is more useful than a quiet fade, so say so if you can.
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