What Counselling is like: A Client's Perspective

I’m a counsellor—but I’ve also been a client. I know firsthand how daunting it can feel to sit in the therapy chair and open up to a stranger. That experience changed me, and it continues to shape how I work today.

Many people have heard of counselling, but they’ve never experienced what it’s actually like to sit in the client’s chair. Thanks to shows like BBC One’s Change Your Mind, Change Your Life, viewers are beginning to get a better sense of what counselling involves. The show offers glimpses into real therapy sessions—what counsellors say, what clients share, and how the process can lead to meaningful change and transformation

I want to share what being in therapy was really like for me, from the client’s point of view.

Taking the First Step

There are many reasons why someone might seek counselling. For me, as part of my counselling course, I was required to have 20 hours of therapy. I looked for a counsellor and I wanted someone who was trained in the same modality I was training in: Integrative Counselling. Other considerations were price, location and availability. I contacted a few, some returned my calls and messages and there were a few who did not, which I found it a little disappointing.

I used the BACP Directory, Counselling Directory, and Psychology Today to ensure the counsellors I contacted had the appropriate training and qualifications. Since counselling in the UK is an unregulated profession—with no legal requirement for specific credentials—I wanted to be sure I was reaching out to properly trained professionals. I found someone in my area, who charged a fee that I could afford and could see my during my spare time.

The First Session

I was nervous when I met my first ever counsellor for my first every counselling session. She made me feel at ease immediately. She was warm, non-judgmental and curious about me and my life. I found myself opening up and talking about myself like I’d never done before.

After seven sessions, I had this desire to see a counsellor who was trained in Transactional Analysis (TA), which is one of the therapeutic approaches that I was training in as an Integrative counsellor. Once again, I looked for a counsellor and when I found one, I was also nervous before the first session. I saw my TA counsellor for the remaining 13 sessions. She was also warm, curious and challenged my thoughts and got me to talk about difficult feelings.

An Emotional Rollercoaster (That’s Totally Normal)

Throughout the 20 sessions I had with both counsellors, I found myself: crying, laughing and talking about my anxieties and fears, feeling uncomfortable (when discussing difficult issues), feeling comfortable, safe and valued.

Breakthrough Moments

One of the issues I brought up in counselling was the anxiety I felt at work as an administrator. I had a constant fear of making mistakes, which made me anxious every time I was at work. Any time someone started a conversation with “I need to talk to you,” my heart would race, I would catastrophise (“I’ve made a mistake, they’re going to fire me”), and I would start sweating.

Counselling helped me understand that this profound insecurity about my abilities stemmed from my childhood. I struggled at school when I was young and was often forgetful. I felt, and believed, that I wasn't smart and that I wasn't good enough.

As an adult, I still carried those feelings of inadequacy, but it wasn’t until I had counselling that I became truly aware of them. Counselling helped me realise that making mistakes is okay—everyone makes them—and it doesn’t mean you're stupid. My counsellor helped me recognise my worth by pointing out my abilities and how much I’m valued at work by my managers and colleagues.

Since exploring these insecurities and feelings of inadequacy, the physical symptoms have gone. No more racing heart, no more sweating, and I no longer catastrophise. Even when I make mistakes, although I still take them seriously, they no longer make me feel anxious or like a failure. I feel so much more relaxed at work. I’ve become more self-aware and confident.

Saying Goodbye: The End of Counselling (or is it?)

In counselling, for some individuals, there is a beginning, middle and an ending. I have ended my sessions with my TA counsellor, but I still go back to my first counsellor every now and then whenever the need arises and so technically we have not ‘ended’ our counselling relationship.

The Power of Being Heard

At the heart of counselling is one simple but profound experience: being heard.

In everyday life, people often jump in with advice, opinions, or solutions. But in therapy, someone listens—deeply, fully, and without judgment. For many clients, this is the first time they’ve truly felt seen.

And that alone can be transformative.

Final Thoughts: What It’s Really Like

Counselling isn’t always easy, but most clients describe it as one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives. It’s not just about solving problems—it’s about:

• Understanding yourself

• Healing from past wounds

• Learning new ways to cope, relate, and thrive

You don’t have to be in crisis to benefit from counselling. You just need to be willing to show up, be honest, and give yourself the gift of time and attention.

Because in the end, counselling isn’t just about talking. It’s about discovering who you are—and learning how to live more fully and freely.

If you’re thinking about starting counselling and want to know what it might be like for you, I’m here to help. With my experience as both a counsellor and a former client, I understand the challenges and rewards of the process.

Contact me today to schedule a free initial consultation or to learn more about how counselling can support your personal growth and well-being. I offer sessions in person, remotely (telephone or online video) or outdoor sessions (women only).

My counselling room is accessible to individuals based in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Handforth, Cheadle, Stockport, Hazel Grove, Bramhall, Hale, Altrincham, Macclesfield, Bollington, Knutsford, Manchester and South Manchester area. Take the first step towards a more confident, balanced, and fulfilled you.