Are you about to go to a counselor for the first time? Whatever your reason for seeking help, you will be more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect.

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In your first session, I will ask certain questions about you and your life. This information helps me make an initial assessment of your situation. Questions might include:

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Why you sought counseling or coaching.  A particular issue probably led you to seek counseling. 

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Your personal history and current situation. I will ask you a series of questions about your life. For example, because family situations play an important role in who you are, I will ask about your family history and your current family situation.

 

Your current symptoms. Other than knowing the reason you sought therapy, I will need to know if you’re suffering from other symptoms of your problem. For example, your problem might be causing difficulty at work.

I will use this information to better understand your problem. I will not make a diagnosis at the end of your first visit, it’s more likely that a diagnosis will take a few more sessions.

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How to Get the Most From Your First Session

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Don’t just sit there. Counseling and coaching is a team effort. If you don’t take an active part in the session, you won’t find the experience valuable. Here are some things you can do to make your first session as successful as possible.

 

Be open. I am trained to ask the right questions, but I am not a mind readers. I can do my part more effectively if you answer the questions openly and honestly.

 

Be prepared. Before you get to the session, know how to describe “what’s wrong,” and to describe your feelings about your problem. One way to prepare is to write down the reasons you’re seeking help. Make a list and then read it out loud. Hearing yourself say it a few times will help you describe things more clearly.

 

Ask questions. The more you understand the counseling and coaching experience or and how it works, the more comfortable you’ll be. Ask questions about the process and ask the me to repeat anything you don’t understand.

 

Be open and honest about your feelings. A lot will be going through your head in this first session. Listen to your own reactions and feelings, and share them with me. We will both learn from these insights.

Be sure to go to your first session with realistic expectations. This is not a quick fix for your problem, rather it is a process.