Your First Online Counselling Session: What to Expect

01 · Start with an enquiry

What happens before booking?

Use our contact page or WhatsApp to ask about availability and whether the service fits what you are looking for. We aim to reply within 24 hours. An enquiry is not a confirmed appointment, and you do not need to share a detailed personal history in your first message.

Once a suitable time is agreed, we share the pre-session acknowledgement form and payment instructions privately. Your booking is confirmed after payment is verified. Read the current fees, cancellation terms and acknowledgement before paying, and ask us to clarify anything that is unclear.

Our counselling service is primarily for adults aged 18 and above. If you are enquiring for someone under 18, a parent or legal guardian should contact us first so that suitability and any additional requirements can be discussed.

02 · Make room for the conversation

Preparing for Google Meet

Choose a place where you can speak without being overheard or interrupted. Check your internet connection, microphone and camera beforehand, charge your device and keep the meeting link accessible. Headphones may help when you are sharing a home with others.

If it feels useful, write down one or two things you would like to discuss or ask. This is optional, not homework you must complete. You can also say that you are unsure where to begin, or ask for a slower pace.

03 · Understand the process

What can you ask in a first conversation?

A first conversation is also an opportunity to understand the professional’s approach and whether you feel comfortable working together. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests asking about qualifications, relevant experience, the proposed approach, goals and how progress will be reviewed.

You can ask for plain-language explanations of confidentiality, fees and the session process before deciding to proceed. See the NIMH resource below for more questions to consider when choosing a professional.

04 · Take the next step thoughtfully

You do not have to decide everything at once

At the end of a session, ask what the next step might look like and raise anything about the format or approach that did not feel clear. The frequency and number of sessions should be discussed rather than assumed from a package size.

MindScribe offers both individual sessions and multi-session packages. A package is an option, not a guarantee of results or a substitute for discussing what is appropriate for you. Check the counselling page for current prices and ask about the terms before choosing.

MindScribe is an appointment-based service, not an emergency response service. Do not wait for a website enquiry reply if you need immediate help; contact local emergency services.