Starting therapy can feel intimidating. Most people walk into their first session wondering:
“What am I supposed to say?”
“Am I doing this right?”
“What if this feels awkward?”
In this episode of After the Last Client, we’re talking about what therapists wish people knew before coming to therapy, from first-session nerves to the misconceptions clients often carry into the room.
We discuss:
• What therapists actually notice in a first session
• Common fears and worries clients bring in
• Why you don’t need to “have it all figured out” before starting therapy
• What makes people feel safer, more comfortable, and more understood
Created by Calming Tree Counselling and Psychotherapy in Kitchener, this podcast is for therapists, helping professionals, and anyone curious about the human side of this work.
Put the kettle on, settle in, and stay awhile. There is a seat for you here.
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MEET THE HOSTS
Melissa Reid is a Registered Social Worker, Clinical Supervisor, and founder of Calming Tree Counselling and Psychotherapy. She specializes in grief, loss, trauma, attachment work, and therapist supervision, with training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR. Melissa’s approach is warm, compassionate, and deeply grounded in collaboration and connection.
Hilary McCulloch is a Registered Psychotherapist at Calming Tree Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Hilary practices from a compassionate, client-centred, and anti-oppressive lens, drawing from approaches including ACT, mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy.
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FOLLOW & CONNECT:
calmingtree.ca
instagram.com/calmingtreecounselling
tiktok.com/@afterthelastclient
facebook.com/calmingtree
linkedin.com/company/calming-tree-counselling
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DISCLAIMER:
This podcast is for informational and reflective purposes only. It is not therapy or a substitute for therapy.
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MUSIC:
“Bomull” by äng