Counselling first session request form

Reaching out to a counsellor for the first time takes courage, so the form should feel short and safe. This template asks how the person would like to meet, which days and times usually work, how they'd like to be contacted and, only if they want to, a few words about what brings them. A note at the top points anyone in crisis to emergency services, because a form isn't the place for urgent help.

Opens as an editable form in your dashboard. If you're not signed in yet, you'll sign in or create an account first.

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Try the fields: this preview doesn't send or store anything. The form you create works the same way and emails each submission to you.

What's in this template

Every field can be renamed, reordered, made optional or removed in the form builder.

  • How would you like to meet?Single choice · Required
  • What would you like support with? (optional)Long answer · Optional
  • Which days usually suit you?Multiple choice · Required
  • Preferred time of dayDropdown · Required
  • Full nameShort answer · Required
  • EmailEmail · Required
  • Phone numberPhone · Optional
  • How should we get back to you?Single choice · Required
  • ConsentCheckbox · Required

How to use this template

  1. Open it in your dashboardSelect “Use this template”. If you don't have an account yet, sign up first; the form opens right after.

  2. Make it yoursChange the questions, options, colours and the thank-you message in the form builder, then save.

  3. Share it and get submissionsShare the form's link or link to it from your website. Each submission is emailed to you and saved in your dashboard.

Tips for this form

  • Add the crisis lines that apply where your clients live to the note at the top of the form.
  • Keep the question about what brings them optional; many people prefer to explain in the first conversation.
  • If you only work online or only in person, remove the format question so the form is one question shorter.
  • Turn on the auto-responder with a warm message that says when people can expect to hear from you.

Questions about this template

Why does the form start with a crisis note?

Messages sent through a form may not be read straight away. The note makes sure anyone who needs urgent help contacts emergency services instead of waiting for a reply. You can edit the wording in the builder, but we recommend keeping the note.

Do clients have to describe their problem?

No. The question about what they'd like support with is optional and says clearly that a few words are enough. The required fields are only what you need to arrange a first conversation: name, email, format, preferred days, time of day and how to get in touch.

How do I reply to a request?

Each request is emailed to your account address and saved under Submissions in your dashboard. Reply in the way the person chose on the form: by phone, email or message.

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Start with this form, change anything later

The template opens in the form builder, where you can edit every question and choose who receives the submissions.