Worried about booking that intro call or starting therapy? Here’s something that may help…
Reaching out
Starting therapy can feel big, especially when you’re not sure what to expect or how it all works.
When you’ve spent so long coping by yourself, not wanting to be a burden, or not knowing what you’d even say, of course starting therapy feels huge. It’s common to have fears and even scepticism. Feeling unsure is part of starting something new.
You might recognise this from other moments in life — learning to drive, starting a new job or university, or moving to a new city. Trepidation, uncertainty or nervousness often show up then too.
Whatever you’re feeling, it makes sense. It will be met with care and compassion.
Perhaps you don’t know what a first session involves. Maybe you’re worried you’ll get upset or cry. Or something else entirely.
So let’s gently unpick some of this, so you can hopefully feel a little steadier about reaching out and beginning therapy.
Healing happens in connection, not isolation.
Intro / discovery call
I offer a free 15-minute video call with everyone interested in working with me.
We’ve all had experiences — or know someone who has — where something that looks good on paper, whether a job or a date, turns out to be anything but. This call gives you the opportunity to share whatever you feel comfortable sharing about what brings you to therapy, your hopes, and any questions you have about my approach, style, or practicalities such as first session dates.
It also gives you space to sense whether you feel comfortable with me. Likewise, it allows me to reflect on whether I have the skills and experience to support you well.
Your safety and wellbeing are of paramount importance to me. If you were to present with a particular issue — for example a severe eating disorder — that I don’t have experience or training in, it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to be your therapist.
In the same way that someone trained in one kind of work wouldn’t take on something outside their scope eg a cardiac surgeon performing a brain op! I would always suggest alternatives. This might include signposting to therapy directories to help you find a therapist who’s a better fit.
When you book a call via Calendly, you’ll also be asked a few questions beforehand. This allows me to review answers and contact you if what you’ve shared feels outside my area of expertise.
I will never pressure you on the call to book a first session. You’re welcome to take time to mull it over and come back to me if you decide you’d like to go ahead.
First session
Before your first session, you might notice your thoughts going round in circles.
You may worry that you can’t articulate your feelings, or that they feel contradictory. I get it. I’ve been there.
Starting therapy is a courageous step in a world that often rewards emotional bypassing and “keeping calm and carrying on”. If you struggle to express what’s happening for you, I’m there to gently guide you.
There’s no agenda or tick list for what we cover. You don’t have to arrive knowing exactly what to talk about. Beginning with “I don’t know where to start” is more than enough.
I’m right beside you, helping you gently connect with what’s present for you. Whatever — and however — you show up, in the first session and beyond, will be met with care and compassion.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." — James Baldwin.
Worried about being judged
You may also feel concerned about how you’ll be seen in therapy.
Perhaps you’re wondering whether I’ll judge you for feeling angry, detached, numb, or something else. Or whether you’re “doing it wrong” and I’ll be disappointed in you.
I’m very used to sitting with complexity and nuance. I’ve worked in psychiatric hospitals, neurology teams, and many other settings where there is a wide range of emotional experience — and I’ve also been the client in therapy myself.
I’m not here to judge or to label feelings as right or wrong. Therapy is about gently connecting with, and understanding, what’s true for you.
An invitation
Talking things through with someone trained to listen can help you make sense of what you’re carrying — especially when feelings don’t fit into a simple story (do they ever!?).
Having space to explore without pressure can make a real difference. You don’t have to reach crisis point to reach out. Support is there when you’re ready.
You don’t need to prepare perfectly or know exactly what to say. Showing up as you are is enough.
If you’d like to explore working together, you’re warmly invited to book a free video intro call here
If you don’t see a time that works, feel free to get in touch with a few potential dates — I have some flexibility.
If you have any questions about Rooted We Rise, you’re welcome to reach out.
Rooted in your healing,
Angela