First Grief Counselling Session
Walking into your first grief counselling session can feel overwhelming. You might be carrying a mix of emotions (hope, apprehension, exhaustion, or even skepticism about whether talking will actually help)
These feelings are completely normal. Many people wonder what to expect, whether they'll find the right words, or if they're "ready" to take this step.
The truth is, there's no perfect time or perfect way to begin processing grief. What matters is that you're here, and you're willing to explore what healing might look like for you. Your first session is simply the beginning of a conversation. It’s a safe space where your experience matters and where you can start to untangle the complex emotions and experiences that come with loss.
Let's walk through what typically happens in that first hour together, so you know what to expect and can focus on what's most important: taking care of yourself during this difficult time.
What happens in our first grief counselling session?
Our first session together is all about creating a safe space where you can simply be - wherever you are in your grief journey. I'll start by explaining how our sessions work, including confidentiality (what we discuss stays between us, except in rare circumstances where safety is a concern) and your right to pause or stop at any time.
If you haven't already completed your intake and consent forms electronically, we'll take care of that at the beginning of our session. These forms help me understand your background and ensure we're both clear on how our sessions will work.
We'll talk about what's brought you here and what you're hoping for from our time together. There's no pressure to share more than feels comfortable - grief has its own timeline, and I respect that completely. I might ask about your loss, how you've been coping, and what support you have around you, but we'll go at your pace.
You'll notice I take notes during our conversations. This might feel a bit strange at first, but it helps me remember the important things you share so I can better support you in future sessions. While I encourage openness and honesty, please remember you're in control - you never have to share anything that doesn't feel right to discuss. It's completely okay to go at your own pace and say "I'm not ready to talk about that yet."
I'll also share a bit about my approach to grief support and what you can expect from our sessions moving forward. Some people find it helpful to know what's "normal" in grief, while others need to explore their specific feelings and experiences. We'll figure out what works best for you.
As we wrap up our first session, I'll share what I've noticed from our conversation and talk through some initial thoughts about how we might work together moving forward. This could be practical strategies you can try between sessions, or it might simply be agreeing that we need more time to understand what you're experiencing - every grief journey is unique.
This is also your chance to ask any questions that have come up during our time together. I want to make sure that whatever we discuss feels realistic and achievable for you right now. Grief work isn't about setting ourselves up for failure - it's about taking gentle, manageable steps forward.
Don't be surprised if you leave with more questions than you arrived with - that's actually quite normal. Feel free to jot them down and we can explore them in our next session if you choose to continue working together.
Most importantly, you'll leave knowing you have a consistent, confidential space to return to as you navigate this journey. Grief isn't something to "get over" - it's something we learn to carry with love and intention.