Acknowledge Your Bravery
Whatever may have happened to lead to this point, there is courage in stepping into a new unknown to seek to grow / change / understand. Take time to acknowledge the steps and efforts you are taking.
Making Space
Consider how you will fit in time to attend your counselling sessions, as well to reflect upon things before and after sessions, so that the process does not further overload an already busy and stressful schedule.
Online or Face to Face Counselling
Recent research suggests that both modes of counselling can often be equally effective for a client or clients’ presenting issues. As well as any strong leanings towards personal preference, it may be helpful to consider:
-the logistics of travelling to and from a location and factoring in this time as well as that of the counselling itself;
-for online counselling, whether you have access to a space that is suitably comfortable and private for you to use when counselling and so that you can speak freely;
-how comfortable you feel using technology and whether you have the appropriate equipment (Wifi / device etc) for remote sessions to run smoothly.
Focus on Well-being
Consider your current well-being - are you eating well, getting enough sleep and exercise and spending time doing things that bring you joy, such as walking in nature? If you have any health concerns or complaints, have you sought medical advice where appropriate? Creating as stable a base as possible from which to explore your counselling goals can only help to make the process as effective as possible.
Plan After care
Counselling can be taxing and so, it can be helpful to consider how to best care for yourself after sessions, for example by avoiding scheduling any particularly challenging interactions or tasks afterwards if possible. Consider how to treat yourself with care by doing something which feels soothing, positive and appropriate to you.
Some useful links
Getting the most from counselling: 8 ways to support your jo... - Counselling Directory