Breaking the stigma and easing anxiety around therapy
For many people, the idea of going to counselling can feel a little intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. You might wonder:
“What do I even say?”
“Will it be awkward?”
“What if I get emotional?”
These are all completely normal thoughts. So let’s gently walk through what a counselling session is really like, and hopefully take some of the mystery (and pressure) out of it.
Firstly, it’s okay not to know where to start.
Your counsellor doesn’t expect you to have the perfect words or a clear plan. In fact, many people begin sessions simply by saying, “I’m not sure what to talk about.” That’s perfectly okay. We’re here to help guide the conversation and create a safe space; not to judge, fix, or rush you.
What does the space feel like?
Our counselling rooms are calm, private, and intentionally welcoming. You might see cushions, art materials, sensory toys and even a sand tray, especially in sessions for children or young people. It’s not a cold clinical office it’s a space where you can just be yourself.
It’s not all talk… especially for kids.
For younger clients, or those who find words hard, we often use play therapy or art therapy. This might include drawing, working with miniatures, storytelling, painting, or playing with specific toys.
These methods help express feelings that are too big, too messy, or too buried for words. And often, they say more than talking ever could.
You lead the pace.
There’s no pressure to go deep straight away. Some clients share a lot in their first session, others take their time to build trust but both are perfectly valid. Counselling is about meeting you where you are, not rushing you toward a goal.
So… what actually happens?
In a nutshell:
- You’re welcomed into a safe, non-judgmental space
- We talk (or draw, or play) about what’s going on in your world
- We explore thoughts, feelings, and patterns in a gentle way
- You’re supported to make sense of things, find tools, or just be heard
Sometimes there are tears. Sometimes there’s laughter. Sometimes it’s quiet.
But above all, it’s real, human connection.
One final thought.
Counselling isn’t just for “when things get bad.”
It can be a space for growth, processing, reflection, and support. No matter if you’re struggling, stuck, or simply wanting to understand yourself better.
If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, we’re here. And your first step doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be yours.
At Innate Therapies, we understand that every person is different just like their healing journey. Whether you’re looking for support for your child, teen, or even yourself, we’re here to offer a gentle, supportive space to explore whatever is going on.
