Calm, confidential and supportive

Sure, you may feel nervous, asking “Where do I start?” and “Will I be forced to talk about ‘that’?

It’s completely normal to feel like you’re about to be analysed, diagnosed, or pressured to share more than you’re ready for. Yet it’s simply a conversation, with you deciding the content and pace.

First session: Wrapping up

At the end of the session, counsellor and client may reflect briefly on what stood out and talk about possible next steps, if any.

There is zero obligation to continue. Some people find a helpful breakthrough in one session; others choose to begin a journey of further discovery.

The First Session: before you go

You don’t need to prepare what to say. Some people have a clear reason for coming to counselling, others simply know that something isn’t right and need help.

You don’t need to share your whole story or hold specific beliefs. You are free to come to LIVEFREE just as you are.

Counselling is:

• a safe, confidential space full of respect and dignity.

• a collaboration – you decide the pace and content shared.

• focused on understanding patterns, emotions, and choices.

• for ‘clients’ with situational challenges, we refer anyone who presents with a mental disorder to a Psychologist and Psychiatrist.

The First Session: During the session

The first session is about getting to know you and understanding what brings you here. We’ll explore what prompted you to seek counselling and what freedom from this issue looks like to you.

There’s no set script. Take your time, redirect the conversation and ask questions.

Counselling is not:

• seeking a diagnosis.
• an interrogation pressing you to give answers.
• the sharing of advice, it’s coaching where advice is more common.
• hoping to label you, but rather ready to hear your story.
• full of judgement and correction.

Christian Counselling?…but I’m not a Christian, at all

LIVEFREE offers counselling that is inclusive and respectful of all belief systems.

If faith is important to you, it can be gently and thoughtfully integrated into the counselling process. If it isn’t as much a part of your life, LIVEFREE counselling remains grounded in psychological and relational approaches without religious assumptions.

You are never required to share or adopt any belief.

How long should I go for counselling?

Healing and growth takes time. Developing rapport with your counsellor can take a few weeks in itself.

Life Counselling works best when you feel you can go at your own pace, at a speed that honours the complexity of your experiences and feelings. Yet of course budget comes into it  and we respect that, offering you a step-by-step journey with tried-and-tested methods that bring change – as fast as possible.

Ready to take the first step?

Reach out if you have more questions and just want to speak to Merrick, your counsellor, directly. The first session is a paid session yet carries no obligation – and is simply a way to see if a counsellor is a good fit, its important that you are happy with your choice of counsellor or coach.