What happens in a counseling session?
May 26, 2021 · Your first session will probably involve your therapist asking you a lot of questions about you, how you cope, and your symptoms (it’s basically an interview). You may also chat about goals for...
Are my counseling sessions confidential?
Mar 30, 2020 · Below are eight things to expect at your first counseling session, along with some tips to help you navigate that initial visit. 1. You will probably feel a little nervous. It is totally normal to feel a little nervous at your first counseling appointment.
What happens during the first week of rehab?
Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For example, in your second session, you may explore a specific symptom, problem, or past trauma you mentioned in the first session.
What should I do after my first therapy session?
Dec 27, 2014 · My second time in rehab, I had a similar experience with probation. My therapist and I would call my probation officer once a week and discuss treatment goals. She had access to the results of my drug tests. Once again, she knew everything that was going on with my treatment. This time, though, the story ends on a happier note.
What to expect at first counseling session?
1. You will probably feel a little nervous. It is totally normal to feel a little nervous at your first counseling appointment. You might be worried that your counselor will tell you that they can’t help you, ...
What is the first session of counselling?
The first counselling session is often referred to as an “intake” session. This means that you’re establishing care with this counselor. So, you can expect to fill out paperwork. This might include forms for insurance, demographic forms, medical and family history forms, and more.
Who is Sylvia Smith?
Sylvia Smith Expert Blogger. Sylvia Smith loves to share insights on how couples can revitalize their love lives in and out of the bedroom. As a writer at Marriage.com, she is a big believer in living consciously and encourages couples to adopt this principle in their lives too.
What is the first session of therapy?
Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For example, in your second session, you may explore a specific symptom, problem, or past trauma you mentioned in the first session.
How to get to a therapist's office?
When you get to the therapist's office, expect your initial experience to be similar to a doctor's appointment. You will sign in when you get there, sit in the waiting room, and wait for someone to call your name. If your therapist has a home practice, the scene might be a bit more casual.
Who is Amy Morin?
Amy Morin, LCSW, is the Editor-in-Chief of Verywell Mind . She's also a psychotherapist, the author of the bestselling book "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," and the host of The Verywell Mind Podcast. You have an appointment with a counselor for your first therapy session and you don't know what to expect.
What is client centered therapy?
Some common types of therapy include: Client-centered therapy (person-centered therapy): A non-directive form of talk therapy that emphasizes positive unconditional regard.
Who is Nancy Schimelpfening?
Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be.
Do therapists have to keep confidential information?
However, according to the American Psychological Association's "Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct," confidential information can be disclosed with the permission of the individual or as permitted by the law. 1
My experience planning for rehab on probation
When I finally reached out for help and went to treatment, after a particularly tear filled talk with my parents ( addiction really affects the whole family ), I didn’t know what to expect on any level. I was going to a new state, a new level of care, meeting new people, and being forced to look at myself in a new way.
My experience going to rehab on probation
My first time in residential treatment was pretty amazing. Looking back, there were a lot of things I did wrong. There were also a lot of supportive measures the treatment center didn’t provide. Still, none of that stopped me from learning a ton about myself and making a few lifelong friends.
My experience living in a halfway house on probation
So, I was in early-sobriety and living in a halfway house. Guess what happened next? If you said, “Why Fiona, you relapsed!”, you’d be right. I wasn’t working on myself. I was living dry, not sober. This is one reason why aftercare is so important after residential treatment. No work on self = Of course I relapsed!
The second time around
My second time in rehab, I had a similar experience with probation. My therapist and I would call my probation officer once a week and discuss treatment goals. She had access to the results of my drug tests. Once again, she knew everything that was going on with my treatment.
What to talk about in a therapy session?
Most likely, you’ll find yourself talking about your current symptoms or struggles, as well saying a bit about your relationships, your interests, your strengths, and your goals. Most importantly, in that first session, you will begin making a connection with your therapist.
What questions should I ask a therapist?
Asking Questions: As a secondary part of understanding what you need from therapy, your therapist may ask some of the following questions: 1 Have you attended therapy in the past? 2 What are your symptoms? 3 Do you have any mental health issues in your family history? 4 How is your home life? 5 Do you have a history of suicidal ideation? 6 Do you have a history of self-harm? 7 What do you hope to get from therapy? 8 What do you want to accomplish in sessions?
Is it okay to interview a therapist?
Therapy is an incredibly individualized process, so not every therapist is going to be the right fit for you. It’s okay to interview a few before you find the right person. Additionally, you may have some “homework” from your therapist before your next session.
How to prepare for a first therapy appointment?
To prepare for your first appointment, make a list of any questions you may have for the therapist. Now you know the types of questions you’ll likely be asked during your initial appointment. Hopefully, you’ve already filled out the intake paperwork (note that most therapists will make these documents available online to facilitate the process, ...
Why do people go to therapy?
Many people enter therapy to gain a better understanding of themselves and how they relate to others. Learning about a client’s childhood and their family dynamics can offer insight into the person they are today, said Zainab Delawalla, a clinical psychologist in Atlanta.
Should I be honest during my first appointment?
While you want to be as open and honest as possible during your first appointment, it’s understandable that you may need more time before delving into deeply personal issues or past trauma.
Does loneliness affect mental health?
Loneliness can have serious mental and physical health implications. So your therapist wants to know if you already have a solid support system in place. If not, they can help you work on building one.
Why is it important to have a first session?
You've chosen your top pick and are ready to get started. This first session is important for setting the tone of your work together — the more involved and collaborative you are, the sooner you'll reap the benefits. Due to some necessary formalities and introductions, the first session doesn't look like those that follow.
What is the waiting room?
The waiting rooms tend to be small and comfortable with a few chairs and magazines. There may be music, a fountain or a white-noise machine to mask voices from the office, protecting the confidentiality of clients inside.
How long does it take to get sober in rehab?
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings. Learn More. Specialized Sessions. Some treatment centers provide specialized therapy sessions.
What is the most effective treatment for addiction?
These often include: Individual Behavioral Therapy . Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective methods used in addiction treatment centers. CBT hones in on your behavioral responses to specific triggers.
What is family therapy?
Family Therapy. Family support can be a crucial treatment element, which is why most drug treatment centers include it in their programs. Addiction affects the entire family, often culminating in destructive codependency, enabling behaviors or intense anger and resentment.
What is the 12-step program?
Typically, a 12-step program is available in the evenings, which is highly recommended. The meetings provide a safe, respectful and anonymous environment in which fellowship can be fostered — which serves as an intrinsic element for long-term sobriety.
What is Jeffrey Juergens's degree?
Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
Is sleeping in part of the program?
Sleeping in is not part of the program, so expect to rise early in the morning to enjoy a healthy breakfast. Some programs offer morning classes such as yoga or meditation to help you begin the day in a relaxed state of mind.