Your first session will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and I to get to know each other and get an idea of where to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature.
Keep in mind that working through your issues are a long-term process so don’t expect any instant solutions to your problems the first day. Counseling is about equipping you with life-long solutions rather than a quick fix.
During the first session, you will be asked about what brings you here. You will be asked what you feel is wrong in your life, any symptoms you are experiencing and your history. History-taking may cover such things as your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation and your career.
So – what can you expect from your first counseling session?
1) Intake and Consent for Treatment: You’ll fill out these forms ahead of the session – by having my office e-mail them to you. Standard office procedure information about you and will require you to sign your consent . Fees and office polices are also layed out.
2) Assessment: There’s likely something you’re in distress about. I’ll want to hear about how you define the problem. What are you looking for help with? If there are uncomfortable symptoms associated, I’ll want to assess the level of severity as well as know about your support system, your coping skills, etc. At some point I might talk a little more about how I work as it applies to your issue, give you a chance to ask me questions, etc.
3) Your Story: I’ll ask you to tell me your story as how you think it might relate to your current problem. It may not be obvious to you and that’s ok. My job is to put the pieces of your life puzzle to begin to look for possibilities. I’ll ask about your family of origin, important relationships, childhood and other questions as I look for potential sources of the problem. I likely won’t get your entire story in one session but we’ll begin to look at it.
4) Wrap Up: In the last few minutes of the therapy session, I try to wrap things up by summarizing what information has been revealed. I’ll probably ask how you’re feeling after the session and offer you an opportunity to ask questions.
The first session is really about information gathering and the very beginning of establishing the therapeutic relationship. It is paramount that the highest level of trust and emotional safety is established in the environment of my office. I strive to listen, validate and empathize with your situation.