First Counseling Session: A Gentle Beginning

If you’ve never tried counseling before, your first counseling session might feel awkward, or strange even. Many people experience some anxiety before coming to their first counseling session because it is something new and different. So if you’re feeling nervous, you aren’t alone!

Tip: Therapy isn’t about having everything figured out or knowing what to say. Therapy is about showing up with an open mind and heart.

Before Your First Session: What Happens First

Before you will be scheduled for your first counseling session, you will be requested to complete some intake forms and other paperwork. Included in this paperwork is a confidentiality statement and informed consent. Take your time reading through this information to be sure you fully understand it. You may also choose to have your individual counseling session in person, or where available, you may schedule a telehealth session to be conducted by video or telephone. After all your paperwork is completed, you will schedule your first individual counseling session with your counselor.

Tip: You may bring anything to your session that you think will be helpful (list of question, a notebook, etc.).

Meeting Your Counselor

When you attend counseling in Alexandria, LA, you can expect your therapist to provide a safe, judgement-free space. Sometimes people are nervous to go to a counseling session because they don’t know what to talk about. That’s okay, too!

For the first counseling session, you and your counselor will spend time getting to know each other. Your counselor will ask you questions to clarify your reason(s) for seeking therapy right now, as well as gather additional life history information or any current struggles you might be experiencing. This first session is also a time for you to learn more about your counselor.

Tip: Feel free to ask your counselor questions in your first counseling session.

Unconditional Positive Regard

Therapy is a place for you to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with a counselor who is non-judgemental. You don’t have to say everything perfectly. Sometimes therapists stumble on their words, too. It’s okay to laugh, to cry, or just to be silent. Therapy is a space for healing and honesty, not perfection.

Tip: You don’t have to make a long-term commitment after the first session.

What Comes After the First Session

At the close of your initial session, you and your therapist will likely talk about whether or not you are a good fit to work together. Your therapist may offer next steps or goals, and if you’re ready to put in the work, you can go ahead and schedule your next session. However, if you want to take some time to reflect on your first session before committing to ongoing sessions, that’s okay, too.

Tip: Consider what your expectations are for therapy/therapist before your first session.

Tips to Feel More Comfortable in Your First Counseling Session

The first counseling session or two can be anxiety-inducing for some people. Here are a few quick tips to help you feel a bit more comfortable going into that first counseling session:

Bring a list of what you want to talk about. Having a list can help you feel calmer, especially if you’re worried that you won’t know what to talk about once you get there.
Wear comfortable clothing. Wear something you will feel good in and something that is comfortable. If you’re a cold-natured person, be sure to bring a light sweater with you, just in case you need it.
Bring a bottle of water or a comfort item. Sometimes having an item you can hold in your hand can help distract your nervousness.

Tip: You’re in control! You can ask your therapist a question, pause, or redirect at any time.

Words of Encouragement

Beginning therapy is an act of courage. You are standing up and showing up for yourself in a new way. You don’t have to walk through healing alone.

If you are looking for compassionate, individual counseling in Alexandria, LA, I would be honored to walk with you on your journey. Call or text today to schedule your first session.