What to expect when coming to counseling
Making the decision to enter into counseling for this first time can be a tough one. Knowing a little about what to expect can help you feel more at ease, as well as help you prepare to make the most out of your sessions.
Your first session is both for covering the “business” of coming to counseling and gaining information and insight into you are your circumstances. Your therapist will have information to share with you about how the therapy process works. In addition, your therapist will likely ask questions about your life and circumstances in order to best assess how to support you. These questions often include exploration into what brought you to counseling, both past and present events that you see as significant, and what your goals in attending counseling are.
It is important to understand that your therapist will see you as the expert on you and your circumstance. The therapist will work to build a relationship with you in the first few sessions, and it is necessary that you be as open and honest as possible. This includes asking questions and challenging your therapist if you need to. The therapeutic relationship is a two way street. Your opinion is valuable, and the more you are able to give to the process the more you will take away.