Are you wondering what your first session of counseling might look like? A lot of people do and not knowing can cause some hesitation for many.
After setting an appointment we will meet me at my office or online, via a secure link through Simple Practice, if you are using virtual therapy. The first appointment is called an intake appointment and is 60 minutes long. I begin my intake sessions by going over some “housekeeping” things, like informed consent, limits to confidentiality, and asking if you have any questions about the paperwork you signed before beginning sessions.
Next, I will ask you questions about how you were raised, mental health issues in your family of origin, your own mental health history, history of abuse, and ask you to describe what’s bringing you to counseling at this time.
If you’re a couple, I will ask some relationship history questions, such as, how you met and how long you have been together. This is meant to help in many ways, as much of the information is very important during your present day life. For example, if you were raised in an unstable or harmful environment, have history of any kind of abuse, or if your family has a history of mental health issues, knowing these things can be vitally important for me to know.
At the end of the session we will make an appointment for the next session, where we will continue to establish a trusting relationship as you discuss in more depth what is making you seek counseling.
