Starting counselling for the first time can feel daunting, especially at the beginning of a new year. This article explores what people commonly experience when they begin counselling, what the first sessions are really like, and how person-centred counselling offers a supportive, non-judgemental space to start, at your own pace.

Growing up in the 90s, mental health wasn’t something we talked about. Reflecting now, I see how “everyday trauma”—from family challenges to personal setbacks—quietly shaped my wellbeing. This World Mental Health Day, I’m reflecting on access to support, both in times of crisis and in daily life, and how making mental health care more available to all can truly change lives.