What happens in Counselling? Exploring the path towards healing
For many people, taking the first step towards counselling can feel overwhelming. You may wonder what will happen in your sessions, whether counselling can really help, or how long the process might take. These feelings are normal, and you are not alone.
Counselling offers a safe and supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges, with the goal of helping you understand yourself and move towards healing.
At Bent Couch Counselling, we specialise in creating spaces where you can talk openly and be met with warmth, respect, and understanding. Whether you are seeking support for anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, or questions around identity, counselling can help you navigate what is happening in your life right now.
What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session
Many people feel uncertain before their first session. You might be asking yourself: “What happens in counselling?” or “What should I talk about?” Your first appointment is an opportunity to slow down, breathe, and begin where you feel comfortable.
We will explore what brings you to counselling
You set the pace and decide how much you wish to share
Together, we create a safe and respectful plan for moving forward
Sessions are tailored to your needs, whether you prefer short-term support focused on a specific issue or longer-term counselling for deeper reflection.The Role of the Counsellor
How Counselling Supports Emotional Healing
Counselling is more than talking about problems, it’s about understanding yourself, discovering patterns, and finding new ways to cope. With the right support, you can:
Build tools to manage stress and anxiety
Strengthen emotional resilience and self-compassion
Work through shame and internalised beliefs
Improve relationships and communication
Reconnect with what truly matters to you
Many men find that 6 to 8 sessions provide the time and space needed to make significant progress, but the number of sessions is always flexible and guided by you.
LGBTQIA+ Affirming Counselling That Puts You First
If you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, you may be carrying experiences of shame, stigma, or fear of being misunderstood. At Bent Couch Counselling, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We understand the unique challenges faced by gay, bisexual, and queer men and provide counselling where your identity is respected, celebrated, and never questioned.
Whether you want to explore coming out, strengthen relationships, process rejection, or simply have a safe space to talk, you are supported here.
Online Counselling Wherever You Are
Life is busy, and finding time for your wellbeing can be challenging. That’s why we offer secure online counselling for anyone across Australia. You can connect from the comfort of your home, your office, or wherever feels safe.
For those in Melbourne, in-person sessions are also available for clients who prefer a face-to-face approach.
Is Counselling Right for You?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, counselling offers a gentle way forward. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting; the process is about working together to understand what’s happening and helping you take steps toward meaningful change.
The Effectiveness of Counselling
Research validates the effectiveness of counselling, with studies showing that up to 80% of clients receiving therapy are better off than those who do not seek treatment (Percival, 2023; Wampold & Imel, 2015). This highlights the value of counselling, not only as a means for individuals to facilitate personal change but also as a significant adjunct to the mental health sector.
Counselling is a transformative process that offers more than a listening ear. It is a journey of collaboration, discovery, and empowerment, guided by professionals like Shaun Williams, who are dedicated to facilitating healing and growth. By providing a space for self-exploration and building a therapeutic relationship based on trust and respect, counselling can lead to lasting change and improved mental health outcomes.
For anyone contemplating taking the first step towards counselling, remember that this journey is about finding your way to healing and self-improvement, with each session bringing you closer to understanding and managing your life more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counselling
1. What happens in a counselling session?
Counselling sessions provide a safe and supportive space to talk openly about what is happening in your life. During your session, you decide what to share, and together we work towards understanding your experiences, exploring patterns, and building tools to help you move forward. There’s no pressure to have the right words — it’s about slowing down and taking things at your pace.
2. How many counselling sessions will I need?
Everyone’s journey is different, but many men find they can work through the majority of their concerns within 6 to 8 sessions. Some clients prefer short-term support focused on a specific issue, while others choose ongoing counselling for deeper self-reflection and growth. We’ll work together to find a pace that suits you.
3. What should I expect in my first counselling session?
The first session is about getting to know you and understanding what brings you to counselling. We’ll talk about your goals, explore your challenges, and discuss how you’d like to work together. There’s no “right” way to approach this — the session is guided by what feels comfortable for you, and we move forward at a pace that respects your needs.
4. Do you offer online counselling?
Yes. We offer secure and confidential online counselling sessions for anyone across Australia. This means you can access support from the comfort of your home, your office, or wherever feels safe. For those in Melbourne, in-person sessions are also available.
5. Is counselling helpful for anxiety, shame, and burnout?
Absolutely. Counselling provides strategies to help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and work through shame or burnout. We’ll explore your experiences together and focus on building tools for emotional regulation, resilience, and self-compassion, helping you reconnect with what matters most in your life.
6. Do you offer LGBTQIA+ affirming counselling?
Yes. At Bent Couch Counselling, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We offer a safe, non-judgemental space where your identity is respected and celebrated. Whether you want to talk about coming out, relationships, connection, or personal wellbeing, you’ll be met with understanding and compassion.
7. How do I know if counselling is right for me?
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward, counselling can help. You don’t need to have everything figured out before starting — your sessions are about working together to understand what’s happening and exploring new ways of coping, healing, and connecting.
Take the First Step Towards Healing
Starting counselling can feel like a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you’re curious about what counselling might look like for you, book a free discovery call today. Together, we can talk about what you’re hoping to achieve and explore the next steps at a pace that feels right.
Shaun
References
Geldard D., & Yin F. R. (2021). Basic Personal Counselling. Cengage.
Percival M. (2023). The Psychology of Counselling. Taylor & Francis Group
