Dorset
Providing Counselling in Dorset.
Weymouth, Poole, Dorchester and online.
First Step Therapy Dorset provides professional and compassionate counselling support across Dorset, with face-to-face sessions available in Weymouth, Poole and Dorchester, alongside online counselling for those who prefer to access support remotely.
Welcome to First Step Therapy Dorset.
\nWe are not here to offer quick fixes or tick boxes. At First Step Therapy Dorset, we believe that simply offering standard help is not enough. We offer a relationship, rooted in empathy, built on trust, and guided by the belief that real change is possible when you are truly met as a whole person.
\n\nYour mental health is not a seasonal topic or a luxury; it is a foundation deserving of care, investment, and the freedom to grow. You are so much more than a problem to be solved, and you are not defined by your struggles, stress, or sadness.
\n\nThis is your process, and your space to explore who you are and who you’re becoming. We are here to walk with you through both the discomfort and the beauty of growth, helping you build resilience, expand your self-awareness, and nurture the confidence to choose yourself.
\n\nWe understand that taking the first step can feel uncertain or daunting, which is where the name First Step came from, to recognise this first step as the hardest part. So whether you want to start by finding practical ways to manage day-to-day challenges, or dive a little deeper into what feels right for you, you will always be met with professionalism, care, and confidentiality.
\n\nYou don’t have to take the journey alone. Feel free to reach out with any questions, or simply for a low-pressure chat to see if counselling feels right for you.
What We Offer
We know that taking the first step to reach out can be daunting, but we are so glad you’re here. At First Step, we provide a warm, safe, and completely non-judgemental space to help you make sense of your feelings and navigate whatever life is throwing your way.
How We Support You
We don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach to therapy. Our caring, down-to-earth team of professional counsellors bring a wonderful mix of specialisms and a diverse 'toolkit' of techniques. This means we can create a therapy experience that is completely tailored to you. Working together on an individual level, we'll explore what you're going through and find the practical coping mechanisms that actually fit your life. Ultimately, our goal is to give you the tools to become the happiest, healthiest version of yourself.
Where and How We Meet
We want you to feel as comfortable as possible, so you can choose the setting that feels right for you. We offer in-person 1-2-1 sessions in welcoming spaces across Poole, Weymouth, and Dorchester. If you prefer a breath of fresh air, we also offer outdoor walk and talk therapy, as well as online video calls for support from the comfort of your own home.
What We Can Help With
Life can be heavy, but you don't have to carry it alone. We are here to help you through anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, confidence struggles, trauma, post-trauma stress, and grief. We also support clients navigating relationship challenges, identity questions, addiction, tricky behavioural patterns, big life changes, career transitions, performance anxiety, and personal growth.
When Is the Right Time to Reach Out?
You never have to wait until things feel impossible to ask for help. We are here for you if you are feeling unsettled, noticing a sense of inner uneasiness, worrying more than normal, or just trying to make sense of your feelings. You might be experiencing heavy emotions like persistent anxiety, panic attacks, irrational fears, or deep sadness that just won't fade. We are also here if you are navigating trauma before things become distressing, managing debilitating post-trauma stress, struggling with intrusive thoughts, negative notions, feeling unsafe, considering self-harm, or simply feeling lonely and needing someone to talk to.
Whatever brings you here, you will be met with empathy, understanding, and a listening ear. We are here for you whenever you are ready.
About Us
Welcome to a safe, confidential space dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges. We are here to support adults aged 18 and over on your journey toward positive change. Our therapists are individual members of accredited professional bodies such as the BACP or NCPS, fully insured and registered with the ICO for data protection. All counsellors are fully trained, supervised, and committed to following ethical guidelines, best practices and safeguarding, ensuring your individual needs are always met and your safety is the priority. We aim to make our support accessible to as many people as possible, offering concession rates for those on income support and Blue Light Card holders.
Our Approach
We take the time to fully understand your unique needs. We listen carefully and feed back on what we have heard to ensure we have a clear appreciation of your situation, thoughts, and goals, working collaboratively towards your view of how you want your life to be. Therapy is paced entirely around what feels comfortable for you. We share practical coping strategies and grounding techniques, helping you find the versions that genuinely work for you. By exploring your self in a safe and confidential space, we help you build a deeper understanding for a more fundamental way to embrace change. To keep the process realistic and ensure both you and your therapist remain on track, we set clear expectations from the start. We hold regular reviews to check your progress and refine your goals as they develop.
Confidentiality and Trust
The content of your sessions will always remain confidential between you and your therapist, unless you expressly ask us to share information with others or a legal requirement applies. During your first session, your therapist will clearly explain these limits to confidentiality and everything else you need to know, so you can move forward feeling informed and aware.
Take the Next Step
Our support is as unique as you are. If you have any specific questions or want to discuss how we can help, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You might also like to read our blog for a helpful insight into therapy and answers to common questions. For more details on our support availability and prices, please use the link below.
What To Expect
Step 1 – First Contact
Reach out via our contact sheet, email, or text with a brief note about what is going on—no need to share your whole life story. You can choose your preferred counsellor, let us match you, or book a free consultation with both of us to decide. We will reply within 24 hours with suggested times, with zero pressure or obligation.
Step 2 – Free Consultation
This is a relaxed, free, 15-minute online chat to introduce ourselves and see if we are a good fit. We encourage you to shop around because the relationship is what matters most; think of this as your chance to interview us. Expect a warm, non-judgmental space where we gently explore what brings you here, go at your own pace, and discuss concession rates if applicable.
Step 3 – Regular Sessions
If we decide to move forward, we will schedule weekly 50-minute sessions at the same day and time to fit your routine. Your first official session will cover an initial assessment, your history, your goals, and a working agreement contract. This is entirely your space with no right or wrong way to show up, allowing you to choose what to discuss each week and when to end.
Your First Step Therapists
Tom Harrison
My path into counselling began long before my training, during 15 years as a pub landlord listening to people’s real‑life stories. That experience shaped the way I work today: grounded, human and genuinely present. I offer a warm, confidential space where you can talk openly, without judgement or pressure. Together, we’ll explore what’s going on for you and help you find a way forward that feels right for you.
Mandy Mitchell
Hello, I’m Mandy — a calm, warm presence with a lighter side that appears when life gets knotty. Colleagues say I spot “the thing underneath the thing” and keep humour close by to gently explore what's happening. I’m curious, grounded and here to sit alongside you while you make sense of whatever’s going on. You can reach out to me on 07577748601 or use the contact us option.
The First Step Journey
Taking the first step to look for support is a massive act of courage, and we want you to know that from our very first contact, you are completely in the driving seat. This is your space, your journey, and you get to decide exactly how it unfolds.
Here is a down-to-earth guide to what it looks like when we work together, with you in full control every step of the way.