The Book · 2023
Walk into your first session with confidence.
Starting client work is the most exciting — and most nerve-racking — moment of counselling training. Mastering Your First Sessions combines professional expertise with real-world scenarios to help new practitioners find their feet, fast.
Written for counselling trainees and students beginning their client work, and shaped by my experience running one of the UK's largest placement providers.
What's inside
Step-by-step guidance
From the first hello to closing a session well — a clear structure for the moments trainees worry about most.
Real-world scenarios
Grounded examples drawn from years of clinical practice and supporting more than 1,500 trainees on placement.
Practical tools
Frameworks and techniques you can take straight into the therapy room to build strong client relationships from day one.
★★★★★
“Every trainee MUST get this book — you will not be disappointed!”
“This book is my best friend. It has taught me so many helpful, useful, interesting and insightful tips to help me through my studies… I will continue to read this book even when I'm qualified. This should be in every learning institute. I wished I bought this earlier.”
Amazon reader · Verified purchase
★★★★★
“An essential guide for trainees and qualified therapists.”
“Such an excellent resource, packed full of practical and useful information… I would have loved to have this book as a trainee — however, I have found it invaluable even as a qualified therapist in private practice. A must have for your library, and a book I will keep coming back to, finding new gems each time.”
Amazon reader · Verified purchase
“Easy read and very informative.”
Reader review · 4.6★ on Goodreads