WHAT TO EXPECT
It can feel daunting coming in for your first session. We hope that having a bit more information about what to expect will help you to feel more comfortable with the process.
BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION
At this point you have just booked your first appointment. You will receive an email with a link to complete a couple of important documents (similar to when you see a new Doctor) before your session. Once you have completed these forms, you are ready to attend your appointment.
Everyone has a different preference about how they approach the first session and there is no right or wrong way. For example:
You may choose to bring along a short written list of concerns and questions to talk to your therapist about. Equally, you may prefer not to prepare anything. Either is fine.
You may come alone or bring a support person with you. If you do bring a support person, you can choose whether they stay in the waiting room, or come in to the session.
You will receive an email and text reminder in the days leading up to your appointment. We do kindly request that you let us know at least 24 hours before if you can’t make it to your appointment or need to reschedule. This allows us to offer the appointment to someone else. Please keep in mind that cancellations within 24 hours of your appointment or non-attendance may incur a cancellation fee.
ARRIVING
Calming Mind Counselling Brisbane is located within Generations Medical. There is car parking at the centre. When you arrive, simply let the receptionist know your name and that you are here for your appointment. We usually recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early so you can settle for a moment before your session.
YOUR SESSION
Felicity will collect you from the waiting room when it is time for your session. Sessions are not like you see in the movies, where you are asked to lay down on a couch and stare at the ceiling. Instead, you can to sit in the armchair or couch the way you would if you were having a conversation with someone at home.
Generally, there are a few things you will talk about during the first session including confidentiality, what sessions may look like, and what has brought you to seek support. Felicity will ask you some questions to start to get to know you and what you would like to focus on. There is absolutely no pressure to answer or talk about anything you do not feel comfortable talking about (even if it is the main reason you came!).
At the end of the session, Felicity will chat with you about booking another appointment if you would like to continue sessions.
AFTER SESSION
Once you finish your session, you will head out to reception. This is where you pay for your session and schedule any future appointments.
EMDR
One of the therapies that Felicity provides is EMDR Therapy. So what is Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy?
The EMDR Institute Inc provides a useful definition and explanation of EMDR, research background and information about the 8 phases of treatment here.
Video clips that may be useful in getting a basic understanding of EMDR are: