What to Expect at Your First Counseling Session

By reading this article, you have taken the courageous and vulnerable step of beginning your journey towards healing through therapy. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by life and to experience pain and distress, but it’s important to remember that these feelings do not have to be permanent. There are many reasons why someone might seek therapy, such as dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, anger, grief, addiction, or simply wanting to grow personally. Whatever your reason for starting this journey, know that you are not alone and that there is hope for relief, healing, and growth. We are glad that you have taken this important step towards improving your well-being!

Starting counseling can be intimidating, especially if you have never been to therapy before. It’s natural to feel a little nervous or unsure about what to expect, but it’s important to remember that the goal of counseling is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can work through your challenges and improve your well-being.

Here is what you can expect at your first counseling session:

• You will meet with a mental health professional who will listen to your concerns. Your counselor will introduce themselves and ask you to do the same. They may also ask about your reasons for seeking counseling and what you hope to achieve through the process.
• You will discuss your mental health history, including any past treatment, medications, and life experiences that may have affected your well-being. These series of questions are to help your counselor better understand your current situation and any challenges you’re facing. These questions may be personal in nature, but they are meant to help your counselor get to know you better and tailor their approach to your needs.
• Your counselor will go over important forms and provide an opportunity for you to ask any questions. These might include consent forms, a confidentiality agreement, or a questionnaire about your mental health history.
• You and your therapist will work together to create a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals. Your counselor may also discuss the logistics of your sessions with you, such as how often you’ll meet, how long the sessions will be, and how to contact them outside of sessions if you need to.
• You will be given the opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have about the counseling process.

It’s important to remember that your first counseling session is a chance for you and your therapist to get to know each other and begin the process of healing and growth. Counseling is a personal journey and each person’s experience will be unique. It is important to be honest with your counselor. Try to approach each session with an open mind and a willingness to explore your feelings and experiences.  This will help you get the most out of your counseling experience.

It’s natural to feel overwhelmed and to want support when navigating life’s challenges. By seeking therapy, you are showing a great deal of courage and determination to improve your well-being and find relief in the present moment. We hope that this article has given you a better understanding of what to expect during your first therapy session and helped alleviate any anxiety you may have had about the process. Remember, you don’t have to go through this journey alone, and it takes strength and bravery to reach out for help. If you are ready to take the next step, reach out to get started today!