Couples Counselling in Sydney CBD – what to expect in your first session

Are you considering booking in a couples counselling session in Sydney CBD but don’t know how to choose the right relationship therapist or what to expect in your first session?

At the Sydney Couple and Family Specialists we understand that going to couples counselling might feel intimidating. And if you have never been to couples therapy before, you may be wondering what to expect.

What happens in your first Couples Counselling session?

Your first session with a couples counsellor in Sydney CDB is primarily about understanding your relationship and your goals.  You can expect:

• A brief introduction to the couples counsellor and their qualifications.
• Space for each partner to share their concerns and goals.
• The couples counsellor to ask questions about your relationship history.
• A discussion of a potential plan for the couples counselling.
• A safe and supportive environment where both partners feel heard and understood.

Duration: Between 60-90 minutes focussing on information-gathering rather than problem solving.

I will now cover these components in more detail:-  

First few minutes of a first session – Introduction, and the therapist’s qualifications:

Most couple therapists will talk about what ‘confidentiality’ means in the context of therapy, and the limitations of confidentiality in certain situations. There should be an opportunity for you to ask questions about the therapist’s qualifications and experience.  This might also be covered off in an introductory call before your first session.

In this first part of the session, your couples therapist should also outline how the rest of the session will be structured. This can substantially help reduce anxiety about what’s coming up.  

Big bulk of the first session – Concerns and goals:

The couples therapist will typically invite each of you to share your concerns and goals (what you’re here for, why you made the appointment, what you hope to get out of couples counselling).

You should both be given equal time to share your perspectives and your goals. It’s common to be worried about conflict getting out of hand in a session, or one of you not feeling heard. There might be concerns that the couples therapist will ‘take sides’. None of these things should happen.

If there is any conflict, the couples therapist should be able to contain the session so each person can speak without interruption. If you think the couples therapist is not containing the session, or not making space for both of you to speak, don’t be afraid to say so. It’s important that you both feel safe in this work.

The couples therapist will also gather relationship history information by asking you both a lot of questions. Even in this first session, the answers to these questions can be illuminating. I see a lot of couples who haven’t discussed much between themselves before they attend the first session.

Towards the end of the first session – Summary of your concerns and goals:

Towards the end of the session the couples therapist should provide you with a type of reflection about what they have understood the concerns to be.

Reflection is an important component. It will tell you whether your therapist has heard both of you, picked up on the nuances of your problems, and has some insights into the issues you are facing. If the couples therapist seems confused, or misses key points, it’s not a good sign!

Last bit of the session –  Plan for the work ahead:

At the end of the first (or second) session your couples therapist should be presenting a plan for the work, based on the  issues you have presented. You might be offered a few different options on how to proceed and what you’d like to prioritise.

The plan for the work should always be a collaboration between you both as a couple and the couples therapist. It’s not necessarily locked in – so don’t worry that you’ll be stuck with it. Your priorities might change as issues arise, or the therapist recognises things that need to be addressed urgently.

Again, it’s really important that your couples therapist presents a plan that is in line with your goals. You are investing time and money into this work, and you should set the agenda.

As you leave this first session you should feel positive, hopeful and excited to be starting the work.

Last thoughts  

The first session is all about information gathering and plan presentation. It’s shouldn’t cause any stress or distress for you as a couple. In fact, it should do the opposite.

You should walk away with an idea about the direction of the work ahead, and feeling like you are in safe hands with the couples therapist.

If you need some ideas about how to a choose the right couples therapist for you, you’ll find essentials and tips in this blog. It includes a cautionary tale – about therapists without the right qualifications – and how you can make sure you’re seeing someone with appropriate training.

If you are thinking about in-person couples counselling in Sydney CBD or online Australia-wide, you can find highly-trained and experienced couples therapists at the Sydney Couple and Family Specialists.

Please call on 02 8968 9397 and our friendly reception team will help you.

If you would just like to know more about our Couples Counselling in Sydney CBD please click on this link

Written by Jacqueline McDiarmid – not a bot.

About Jacqueline Jacqueline has been in private practice for more than two decades, helping individuals, couples and families.  She has extensive experience in couple and family therapy and is considered a specialist in these areas. In her clinical practice, she has helped people deal with complex trauma, affairs, complex mental health issues, eating disorders, adolescent behavioural problems (including self-harm and suicidal ideation), behavioural issues in young children which are impacting parents and families, relationship issues and post-separation work. Jacqueline works with many different dynamics: couples, parents, families with young children, same-sex couples, foster/adopted families, families with teenagers and also adult families.  She is particularly interested in helping parents of children with behavioural issues, or with diagnosed conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, ASD and so on. Although Jacqueline’s work is supportive and friendly, she will challenge her couples and families to make the necessary behavioural changes, to repair relationships and to move towards healthier communication styles in the future. Jacqueline’s style is direct and fast paced and she is known for quickly getting to the heart of the matter.  Clients report that they feel safe and understood with Jacqueline.

If you’re struggling in your relationship and need professional support, don’t wait. Complete the contact form and include a brief note describing your unique situation so Jacqueline McDiarmid or one of our experienced Couples Counsellors can best support you. You can also contact The Sydney Couple and Family Specialists directly on 02 8968 9397 to take the first step toward meaningful change today.