Beginning Therapy, Gently
You do not need to arrive with the right words. We begin exactly where you are.
Starting counselling can feel daunting, especially if you are used to holding everything together. This page explains what happens before, during and after your first session, so the process feels a little less unknown.
You Do Not Need to Know What to Say
That is completely normal.
Many people worry they will not know where to begin. You can arrive with a clear idea of what you want to talk about, or simply with the sense that something does not feel right — we can begin there.
Your First Steps
Every client's path looks a little different, but here is a gentle sense of how we'll move forward together.
We Start with a Conversation
Your first session is a free, unpressured space to share what's brought you here — and to notice how it feels to be heard.
We Find Out If It's a Good Fit
I am not the expert on your life — you are. If I'm not the right therapist for you, I'll say so honestly and help you find someone who is.
We Begin, at Your Pace
Sessions are usually 50 minutes, held weekly where possible. Some people benefit from a focused 6–12 sessions; others prefer open-ended, ongoing work.
We Keep Checking In
We'll review our work together regularly, so therapy stays focused on what actually helps — not just what we started with.
Your First Conversation Is Free
You do not have to pay simply to find out whether this feels like the right fit. Your first session is a free assessment — a chance for us both to explore whether we can build a trusting therapeutic relationship.
- 20 Minutes
- No Charge
- No Obligation
What You Share Is Held with Care
Everything you share remains confidential.
During our first session, we'll go through what you can expect from me in terms of how your information is held.
There are a few legal and ethical exceptions where I am required to break confidentiality — serious risk of harm to yourself, serious risk of harm to others, or serious crime. I will always discuss these situations with you where possible.
If Therapy Feels Hard at Times
Sometimes therapy can stir things up before they settle. That does not mean you are doing it wrong.
We will go at a pace that feels supportive enough to stay safe, and honest enough to create change. There is no rush — healing happens at your pace, not mine.
The Approach Is Flexible, but Always Human
Tracie draws on different therapeutic approaches depending on what feels useful for you. The work is not about fitting you into a model — it is about understanding what you need.
What You Might Be Wondering
01 What if I do not know where to start?
That's alright — many people feel this way. We can begin with whatever feels true right now, even if it's just a sense that something isn't working. I'll help guide the conversation from there.
02 Will I have to talk about everything straight away?
No. You share only what feels right, at a pace that feels right. Therapy isn't about disclosure for its own sake — it's about building trust first.
03 What if I cry or feel overwhelmed?
That's a normal and safe part of the process. I won't rush you through it, and we'll always find a pace that feels manageable.
04 How will we know if therapy is helping?
We'll check in regularly and review how things feel together — not just at the end, but throughout. If something isn't working, we'll talk about it and adjust.
05 Can I stop if it does not feel right?
Yes, always. This is your process. You're free to pause or end therapy whenever you need to, and I'll support that decision without judgement.
Ready to Begin, Gently?
Your first consultation is free and completely confidential. You do not need to know exactly what to say before you reach out.
Book Your Free Consultation