First visit
Your Well-Being Is in Good Hands
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FIRST COUNSELING SESSION:
Whether it is your first time seeking counseling or just your first session with a new therapist, it takes courage. After all, you are meeting with a complete stranger who will ask you to talk about areas of your life that you may have never talked with anyone about. Vulnerability is just the flip side of the courage coin, so know that if you feel a little scared, you’re on the right path.
In our first session, we will talk about why you have decided to seek therapy at this time. We must first understand the surface reasons before be can begin to identify the deeper issues. We will go over a brief history of your life (as it pertains to your presenting problem) and the ways in which you have tried to make progress in challenging areas of your life. We will talk about your symptoms and how they are affecting the valuable parts of your life. As a solution focused therapist, I strive to help my clients feel a sense of relief and direction (goals) at the onset of our work together. I don’t believe we need to delve into the deepest corners of the past in order to begin our work, though aspects of this may be helpful in the bigger picture as our work continues.
I pride myself in creating an open, non judgmental environment where you can speak freely about your struggles, passions, and desires for your life. My goal is to help you reach your full potential and live a life that accurately and vibrantly reflects who you truly are.
Something I can’t stress enough is that therapy is team sport. The more actively you engage in the session, the better I can help you and the more successful we will be.
Before your first session, I will ask you to fill out some paperwork asking you to describe “what’s wrong” and to describe your feelings about your life. When we meet, I will help guide you to clarify what it is you are seeking in your life that isn’t currently present and/or what you perceive are the barriers to living your best life. I encourage you to ask me questions as well. Again, team sport.
Another thing to remember is that while I don’t feel that everyone needs to be in therapy for years, it does take some time. There are no quick fixes and it is a process. The most important aspect is that you feel connected to your therapist. Research has shown that over 70% of therapeutic outcome is based on the therapist-client relationship. If you don’t feel comfortable with your therapist, keep looking.
Research has also shown that talking with a professional counselor can have a significant positive effect on the brain. Counseling can provide you with objective feedback on how you appear to others, ways to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and guidance for making positive changes in your life.