It is completely normal to be a bit nervous for your first counseling session. Even if you’ve been in counseling before with another therapist. 

The idea that you’re going to a complete stranger and will tell them about the conflicts you’re experiencing in your life can be quite unnerving. I want to assure you that nerves are normal and welcome in this process.

Before your first counseling session, we request that you fill out some paperwork. This includes basic Information, Informed Consent (informing you of HHCC policies) and a couple of other documents. 

Completing the paperwork usually takes five minutes. From there, we dive right into therapy. I generally lead off by asking a few basic questions such as: Have you ever been in therapy? What is it that brings you in today? Tell me about what is causing discomfort in your life?  Your first session is mostly about us getting to know each other to see if we are a good fit. Neither of us know each other (yet) and we have to make sure that our personalities and styles match. This is so we can work through whatever conflicts are happening in your life.

If your counselor is not the right fit, for whatever reason, that’s okay. That decision is not something anyone will take personally.

We encourage you to tell your counselor that it isn’t a right fit so they know not to expect to see you for future appointments. This also allows us to refer you to someone who might be a better fit. 

My ultimate goal in that first session is for you to leave with a sense of peace and safety. 

Not every counseling session will be easy, nor will you leave every session feeling happy. Sometimes you might leave feeling sad or anxious. What we talk about in counseling can often bring up intense feelings and temporarily make symptoms worse. For instance, talking about panic attacks and what triggers your panic attacks can be a frightening subject. It’s possible that you will experience a panic attack in the days after that session. However, with continuous work, most issues can be managed or cured. It’s important to remember that counseling is the HARD way through a problem, but I believe that sometimes the hardest thing and right thing are the same thing!  

Regarding payment, this is typically collected at the end of each session. You’ll receive a receipt for services and an opportunity to schedule another appointment.