New Horizons Counseling is here to help
Your First Counseling Session
Your first counseling session marks the start of a journey: a journey that will ultimately lead you to a deeper, richer, more secure, more grounded relationship with yourself. Once you feel more solid and peaceful within yourself, you are in a far, far better position to enrich and enhance the lives of the people around you.
What to Expect from your therapist:
Your therapist will not capitalize on your rights or wrongs, but more so will focus on the things that you can change vs. what cannot be changed. Depending on your reason for starting therapy, you will be encouraged to look inward. You may be asked to share your past traumas, coping mechanisms, phobias, or areas of life you wish to change. You may dive into interpersonal relationships, to help ultimately understand how your relationships affect you.
Your therapist will not judge, make decisions for you, or solve problems, but they will be a continuous, professional resource in helping you become your best self. You will only be asked to share what you are comfortable with, and over time, the relationship between you and your therapist will grow.
What to Expect from yourself:
Your first counseling session may feel a lot like an interview – the therapist will ask many questions about how you cope, what your symptoms are, how they affect your daily life, and what you want to accomplish through therapy.
Your first counseling session may leave you feeling a little emotionally or mentally drained.
Don’t let the possibility of your memories and emotions coming up hinder your experience. You may find yourself wondering why it is so much easier to talk to a therapist than anyone else in your life. Spoiler: it’s normal! Your therapist is an unbiased resource that ultimately wants the best for you.
Not every session will feel intense, and that’s okay. You’re taking a big step for your health and well-being. Every moment spent working on you is a win!
I'm Nervous About Starting Therapy. Is that Normal?
Absolutely. Starting therapy is a big decision! Know your therapist is on your side, and you are welcome to share those feelings in your sessions. Pre-session anxiety lessens as you become more comfortable with your therapist and the process.
Should I Prepare for My First Session?
You will be asked to complete pre-session paperwork with general information about you. It also helps to brainstorm or reflect on what brought you to therapy in the first place. What areas of your life would you like to improve?
Can I Bring Someone to My Session?
It depends. For family or marriage counseling, it is indeed encouraged to bring those who will be involved throughout the process. For an individual session, it’s a good idea to ask your therapist beforehand so you can have the most open, honest conversation as possible with an unbiased listener.
What Will My Therapist Ask Me?
The first session is generally broad. Your therapist wants to know who you are, so basic autobiography questions will be asked. They will also ask what you wish to achieve throughout the course of your treatment, an outline of your life story, and how you feel most supported. Your therapist may also give a brief background on themselves so you feel comfortable with their background and get to know them on a more personal level.