Find help untangling the knots
Deciding to book a first session can feel as hard as the anxiety itself. You might have spent weeks or months wondering whether it’s worth it, what you’d say, or whether a therapist will understand. If you’re in Kettering or elsewhere in Northamptonshire and considering anxiety therapy, this guide explains what usually happens in a first session, so you know what to expect before you walk in or log on.
Before the session
Most therapists, including me, begin with a free initial consultation of around 20 minutes. This is a chance to find out whether we’re a good fit, ask questions about how I work, and talk through what has brought you to reach out. There’s no obligation to continue afterwards.
You can attend in person from my practice space in Kettering or online via Zoom, whichever feels more comfortable. Online sessions are a good option if travelling, time, or anxiety about leaving the house makes in-person work harder.
What happens in the first session
The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what’s been happening, when the anxiety tends to show up, and what it’s like for you day to day. You don’t need to have a neat explanation or know what’s wrong. Many people arrive saying “I just feel on edge all the time” or “I can’t switch off,” and that’s enough to start.
I’ll also explain how I work and what confidentiality means in our sessions, including the rare circumstances where I would need to act on a safety concern. You’re welcome to ask anything about this at any point.
Sessions are typically 50 minutes. Some people find the first session feels a little strange, especially if they’re not used to talking about their inner world. That’s normal. You are in charge of how much you share and when.
How my approach works with anxiety
Anxiety is often treated as something to switch off. In my work, I look at it differently. Anxiety usually makes sense in the context of a person’s history and the patterns they’ve learned to protect themselves. Something that once helped you stay safe may now be running in the background, even when there’s no immediate danger.
That’s why I focus on understanding rather than just managing symptoms. We might explore how the anxiety shows up in your thoughts, your body, your relationships, and the situations where you feel most stuck. We might also look at the emotions or needs that have been pushed aside to keep things calm. Over time, the aim is to create enough safety to feel these things rather than keep them at a distance.
I don’t work to a fixed script. Some sessions will be mostly conversation. Others might include paying attention to what’s happening in your body, noticing tension or sensation, or working with imagery when that feels right. We go at your pace, and you are never required to do anything you’re not ready for.
Will I have to talk about my childhood?
Not necessarily. We don’t need to go into your past unless it’s relevant and you want to. When history does come up, it’s usually because it helps make sense of what’s happening now, not because I’m looking for a single cause. You can stay in the present as much as you need to.
What happens after the first session
After the first session, we’ll talk about whether this feels like the right place to continue. You might want to meet for a few more sessions to get a sense of the work, or you might want to take more time to decide. Either is fine.
Over the following weeks, we’ll look at what you’re noticing, what’s shifting, and what you’d like to focus on next. Therapy with anxiety often takes time, and progress can be uneven. Part of the work is learning to stay with difficult feelings without being overwhelmed by them.
Is therapy for anxiety right for you?
Therapy might be a good fit if you feel stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand, if the anxiety is affecting your relationships, work, or everyday life, or if you’ve tried other approaches and want to go deeper. It’s also worth reaching out if you simply feel that something is off and you’d like support in working out what it is.
If you’re not sure, the free consultation is a low-pressure way to find out.
Book a free consultation
If you’re ready to take the first step, you can book a free 20-minute consultation to talk about your situation and whether we might work well together. I offer sessions in person in Kettering, Northamptonshire, or online across the UK.