According to Beyond Blue, one in five Australians will encounter a mental health condition in any given year. The Beyond Blue website also states that anxiety is the most common of those conditions. While using medication is an option for those suffering from depression or anxiety disorder, many people find that talking to therapists helps too. If you're due to start counselling for the first time, it's worth understanding how you can overcome some of the initial hurdles that accompany the process.

Tackling nerves before your counselling session

There are many reasons why you may experience nerves before you first go to therapy. From the thought of revisiting painful memories to anticipating talking with a stranger, each nervous feeling is normal and possible to overcome. It's worth understanding that the first session with your therapist involves establishing a trust-based rapport. They won't force you to revisit memories or try techniques until you're ready, making it a gentle and encouraging process.

Being unsure as to whether your counsellor is right for you

Finding an accredited counsellor is only part of the process when it comes to tackling depression or anxiety disorder. You also need to find someone who specialises in the areas you wish to focus on. Additionally, if you do your research, you may find that there's a particular therapy you're looking for. For example, some people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may seek a counsellor who offers Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). If you do find someone providing therapies such as EMDR, you should expect to spend two to three sessions easing yourself into your comfort zone. If you still don't feel as though they are right for you, you can ask for a referral to someone else.

You're not sure where to start when it comes to talking

It's normal to wonder which topic you're going to focus on when you first start talking to your counsellor. Although it's okay to enter their room with some ideas surrounding potential topics, you may also find that they will try to tease certain events out of you. While the idea of having someone ask you to tell them about your childhood seems like a cliche, such tools have the purpose of finding the root of your anxiety and depression. While you may not let the floodgates open at first, before you know it you'll talk to your counsellor with ease.

If you have any more concerns about counselling, consider writing them down so you can ask a professional about them. With their guidance, you could put your nerves at ease.