Accessing support through your workplace’s wellbeing/EAP is a positive step toward improving your mental health and wellbeing. If this is your first counselling session, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to expect. This guide outlines what typically happens before and during your initial session. 

1. Confidentiality and Privacy

EAP counselling is strictly confidential. Your employer is not informed of the content of your sessions, and your identity is protected in accordance with Australian privacy laws. The only exceptions relate to immediate risk of harm to self or others, or legal obligations which your consultant will explain to you at your first appointment. 

1. Booking Your Appointment

You can book a session online via the Converge app or website. You can also call Converge 1300 687 327. Sessions may be delivered face-to-face, via phone, or video call—based on your preference and availability. 

1. What Information Will Be Collected

Before your session, you will be asked for basic details (name, employer, dept or business unit, contact info) as well as information that will support matching you with the right consultant. This helps your consultant understand your concerns and tailor the session to support you effectively. 

1. Wellbeing Survey

 A short 1 minute questionnaire is sent 30 minutes prior to each counselling session. This questionnaire asks you to rate your wellbeing across 5 areas and is an important moment of self-reflection to map your current emotional state and track any progress. It is shared with your consultant and may guide areas of focus and prioritisation during the first session. 

1. What the First Session Covers

Your first session typically focuses on understanding your current situation, building rapport, and clarifying what you want to achieve. You’ll be invited to speak about your work, life circumstances, emotional wellbeing, and any specific challenges. You’re encouraged to go at your own pace and outline what you are wanting from the counselling process. 

1. Realistic Expectations: Insight and Self Reflection

Please keep in mind that counselling is not always a quick fix or a magic wand—it’s a guided process that supports you to reflect, make sense of your experiences, and take practical steps forward. While your consultant will guide you, your involvement will also support wellbeing outcomes. This includes being open to self reflection, and transparently exploring options and areas of control and influence. This will depend on your issue and your level of coping and you will be supported to follow the pace and structure that suits you best. Change often takes time, insight, and commitment. 

1. Setting Goals and Planning Support

EAP counselling is support delivered over a set quota of available sessions. Your consultant may help you identify goals and develop strategies. If ongoing or specialised support is needed, they will assist with referrals. 

1. How to Prepare

There’s no need to prepare extensively. It can be helpful to reflect on what’s brought you to counselling and what you hope to gain. Arrive with openness and honesty—this is your time. 

1. Your Rights

You have the right to feel respected, safe, and heard. If the fit with your consultant isn’t right, you can request a different one and you will be supported by our team at Converge to match you with someone more aligned to your preferred style and issue.