What Happens in the First Session?

The first step is often the hardest.  You may be nervous wondering if you will feel comfortable with the counselor.  Building rapport with your counselor is an important part of therapy.  A free phone consultation is offered to help you decide if you want to schedule an appointment.  Make a list of questions you want to ask during this consultation to help you decide. 

The first session can best be described as an “information gathering” session.  The counselor will ask a lot of questions to help her understand the nature of your problem.  It is not necessary for a counselor to know your whole life story to help with a specific problem.

Your session will be assigned a specific time slot–usually 60-90 minutes.  Prior to the first session, you will have some forms to fill out.  Please come at least 15 minutes early to fill out forms so you can get the full benefit of your first session. 

At your first session you can discuss how many sessions it will take to address your problem.  You and the counselor will work to set goals or a treatment plan.   A first session is  great time to bring up any questions or concerns you have.

Is it possible that one session is enough?  Occassionally, an individual just wants a little expert perspective to help them solve a problem. And yes, sometimes one session is all that’s needed.

More questions?  Contact peggy@thelightpoint.org