What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session in Kelowna
Starting counselling is a big and often brave step. Whether you’re feeling anxious, unsure, or simply curious about what to expect, you’re not alone many people feel nervous before their first session.
At Orchard Valley Counselling Services in Kelowna, we aim to make your first experience comfortable, supportive, and meaningful. Counselling is a collaborative process, and your first session is where that journey begins.
Before You Arrive
When you book your first appointment, you’ll receive a brief intake form to help your counsellor understand your goals, background, and what brought you to counselling. This helps make your first session more focused and personal.
There’s no need to prepare anything formal just come as you are. Whether you want to talk about something specific or aren’t sure where to start, that’s completely okay.
During the First Session
The first session is mostly about getting to know you and helping you feel comfortable. Your counsellor will take time to:
- Learn about what’s been happening in your life
- Understand what you’d like to get out of counselling
- Explain how therapy works and what you can expect moving forward
- Answer any questions you have about confidentiality or process
It’s a relaxed, conversational setting not an interrogation. You’re free to share as much or as little as you’d like.
Creating a Safe, Supportive Space
Counselling works best when you feel safe and respected. Your counsellor’s job is to listen without judgment and help you explore what’s going on beneath the surface.
This might include discussing how you’ve been feeling, identifying stressors, or simply having space to talk about things you haven’t been able to share elsewhere.
Exploring Goals and Next Steps
Together, you and your counsellor will discuss what you hope to achieve whether it’s managing anxiety, improving relationships, healing from loss, or simply finding more balance.
From there, your counsellor will outline a personalized plan for future sessions that may include techniques from CBT, mindfulness, holistic approaches, or trauma-informed care depending on your needs.
After Your First Session
Many people leave their first counselling session feeling relieved it’s often the first time they’ve had space to talk openly and feel truly heard.
It’s also normal to feel emotional, reflective, or even a bit tired afterward. That’s part of the process. Over time, sessions help you gain clarity, feel more grounded, and develop tools to handle life’s challenges.
Why Choose Orchard Valley Counselling in Kelowna?
At Orchard Valley Counselling, we combine evidence-based practices with a warm, holistic approach. Our experienced counsellors work with adults, teens, couples, and families to create lasting, meaningful change.
We believe that therapy should feel safe, empowering, and genuinely helpful starting from day one.
Take the First Step Toward Support
If you’ve been thinking about starting counselling, you don’t have to wait for things to get worse. Taking that first step can be the start of real relief and positive change.
👉 Book your free consultation today with Orchard Valley Counselling Services in Kelowna. Let’s make your first session a step toward calm, clarity, and connection.