Advice for First-Time Counseling?
Hi all,
I just scheduled an appointment to talk with a counselor (in person) about depression for the first time ever. I have so much on my mind, I'm not sure I'll know where to start when I get there. I know I won't be able to talk through everything all in one, one-hour session, so one of my goals is to get some help making a plan for ongoing support... But what else should I expect from this first session? How can I prepare? Will the counselor take the lead, or will I be expected to come with topics and questions to discuss? What are some reasonable goals for me to set for this experience? I'm also nervous I'll just fall apart as soon as I open my mouth and not be able to talk at all...
I'd love some advice from those of you who have gone to therapy or counseling -- either just starting out or long-term gurus.
Thank you! And love to you all...
xxoo
Hello! I am glad to hear that you are reaching out for support. It is a very brave thing to do. Some things you may want to mention are what you would like to accomplish in couseling and let the couselor get to know you a bit. You also may want to ask the couselor any questions you may have for them. I have also found a video from a liscened therapist about meeting a couselor/therapist for the first time and what exactly to expect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FiVVAOXiEQ
I watched the video, and it makes it sound like all therapists are pretty much the same. In my experience that's not true at all. Almost everything in the video does apply to some therapists and counsellors, but others are the opposite.
I suggest you go along with just one goal, to keep things simple. And maybe you already wrote it here: "to get some help making a plan for ongoing support."
The one thing the video does get right is that you can walk away. You can even walk out in the middle of the session.
To answer your questions:
"But what else should I expect from this first session?" — To know whether the counsellor is someone you trust and feel close to. To know how long therapy is likely to last.
"How can I prepare?" — You don't need to, but having one goal to talk about might be useful, if you like.
"Will the counselor take the lead..." — Some do, some don't.
"What are some reasonable goals for me to set for this experience?" — To know whether the counsellor is someone you trust and feel close to. To know how long therapy is likely to last.
"I'm also nervous I'll just fall apart..." — Actually, it's completely OK to fall apart.
@piercetheaiden
@LookAtTheClouds
Hello!
Did you have your appointment? How did it go?
I'd love to hear about your experience if you feel comfortable sharing. 
Hi!! it is great you are looking for support. This is a great step to heal your pain. It is normal to be nervous, but don't worry if the person is a good counsellor, they will know how to follow the conversation. Just be honest about what is going on with you, the more you explain about yourself, the more they will understand and the more you will make sense of your own situation. I know it will be weird at the beginning since you don't know this person at all, but with the time it will get better. They are professionals willing to help you, and also as any other relationship, perhaps you can like the person or not. I think it is important if you have a good connection with your counsellor, if you don't, you can try to find another one. Research says that more than techniques and theories, the most important part is that you are able to connect with your counsellor. I am sure this will be a new experience for you, since normally in real life when you talk with another person, the centre of the conversation is both sides, you and the other person, but here you will be the centre of the conversation. The first session is always more about assessment and connecting with the counsellor, so you don't have to prepare yourself. it will be alright. I hope everything goes well.