Demystifying Counseling: What to expect during your first session
Going to counseling or "therapy" can seem intimidating if you don't know what to expect. Many people delay counseling,thinking that they're not in a deep enough crisis to need it. Counseling can help with such a wide range of issues from needing help to reach a goal or getting through a stressful period in your life, to support in changing family relationships, addiction recovery, to depression, anxiety or trauma recovery. If Americans could destigmatize and embrace counseling, I believe we would be a much healthier society!
So, you've scheduled an appointment for therapy, what can you expect from your first session? First of all, when you arrive you will fill out a confidential information form that will allow your therapist to get to know you and your individual needs. Your counselor may ask a few questions to get to know you and assess your current needs and your history. Then perhaps you will hear the question "What would you like to work on today?". It is important to remember two things about therapy: First, you will get much more out of your session if you prepare by coming in with an idea of what you want to work on or what you'd like to get out of your therapy session. Second, your therapist is there to help guide you to discovery, but it is up to you to lead the way! You’re the co-creator of this relationship. If you go in saying , ‘Here are my goals, here are my expectations, my preferences for how to proceed, what matters to me the most,’ you will have the most success.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet with a Certified Mental Health Counselor, give me a call! I'd love to walk with you as you discover your best self!
Darlene Horton, CMHC
(435) 867-6471
