If you’re considering counselling or have just booked your first appointment, you might be wondering what it will feel like to sit across from a counsellor and start opening up. One of the most important parts of any successful counselling experience is building strong rapport with your therapist.
Rapport is the sense of trust, connection, and comfort that develops between you and your counsellor. It’s the foundation that allows you to feel safe enough to share your story and work through the challenges that brought you to counselling.
At Vision Counselling, we see clients across Perth City, Scarborough, Baldivis and surrounding suburbs, and we understand that taking the first step can feel daunting. Here’s how you can help build strong rapport in your counselling sessions and why it matters.
Rapport is the sense of trust, connection, and understanding between you and your counsellor. It’s what makes you feel comfortable sharing your feelings, experiences and circumstances openly, knowing that you will not be judged.
Why Rapport Matters in Counselling
Counselling isn’t just about strategies or techniques – it’s about connection. Research consistently shows that the relationship between a client and counsellor is one of the strongest predictors of positive outcomes in therapy. When you feel heard and understood, it’s easier to open up and work through difficult emotions.
In a supportive counselling relationship, you’re more likely to:
- Share openly and honestly
- Feel validated and understood
- Gain clarity and perspective
- Build confidence to make changes
Tips for Building Rapport With Your Counsellor
1. Be yourself, even if it feels awkward at first
It’s normal to feel unsure in your first session. Try to be as honest and open as you can – even if that means admitting you’re nervous. Your counsellor understands that this is part of the process and will help you feel more comfortable as you go.
2. Share your goals and expectations
Let your counsellor know what you hope to get out of therapy. Are you looking for practical coping strategies? Space to explore emotions? Clear direction? Being upfront can help your counsellor tailor the sessions to your needs.
3. Ask questions
You are allowed to ask questions about how counselling works, your counsellor’s approach, or anything else you’re unsure about. Feeling informed can help you feel more in control of the process.
4. Give feedback
If something isn’t working for you – maybe you feel the pace is too fast or you’re not connecting with a particular technique – say so. Good counsellors welcome feedback and adjust their approach to suit your needs.
5. Be patient with the process
Rapport doesn’t always happen instantly. For some people it develops quickly, while for others it takes a few sessions to build trust. This is completely normal.
What Your Counsellor Will Do to Build Rapport
At Vision Counselling, our team is trained to create a warm, professional and non-judgemental environment. Here’s what you can expect from us:
- We’ll listen carefully without rushing or interrupting
- We’ll respect your pace and comfort levels
- We’ll explain the process clearly so you know what to expect
- We’ll offer empathy and understanding, even when topics are difficult
Our goal is to make sure you feel supported and safe to explore your thoughts and emotions, no matter what you’re going through.
Finding the Right Counsellor for You
Sometimes rapport simply doesn’t click with a particular counsellor – and that’s okay. Everyone is different, and it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable with. If you’re unsure after a few sessions, it’s worth discussing your feelings with your counsellor or trying a different therapist.
Vision Counselling has counsellors available across Perth City, Scarborough, and Baldivis, and we also offer online counselling sessions for clients across Western Australia. This flexibility means you can choose the location or format that feels right for you.
Ready to Book Your First Session?
Taking the first step towards counselling is a brave decision, and building rapport with your counsellor is a key part of making that step worthwhile.
If you’re ready to get started, you can book an appointment online today. Whether you prefer to visit us in Perth City, Scarborough, or Baldivis, or connect via telehealth from anywhere in WA, our friendly team is here to support you.
Book Now and take the first step towards a stronger sense of connection and wellbeing.
