What to expect from your first counseling session in Long Beach, CA

What to expect in your first counseling session.

You have thought about therapy for a long time, resisted it, looked up therapists, said “forget it,” then finally decided to take action after reaching your breaking point. Now you are sitting on zoom call waiting for your new therapist to enter the call. Maybe your hands are clammy, you are shaking, or on the verge of tears - either way it is go time and the therapist joins the call.

If you have never been to therapy or had a previously bad experience, your expectations may be all over the place. You are trying to figure out what you need and what to expect if you start seeing someone for counseling in Long Beach, CA or wherever you are. What will happen in the first session? How long will it take to start noticing change and feeling better?

What will happen after you decide to schedule?

After you have decided to schedule a session to treat your anxiety, perinatal complications, or relationship issues you will be sent intake paperwork. These forms need to be reviewed and completed before you start therapy. These are essential forms to understand the role of the client and therapist, boundaries within therapy, and any other technical questions you may have before starting treatment. Then your therapist may send you a reminder about the session.

What do you need to do to prepare for the first session?

To prepare for your first session make sure you have reviewed, filled out, and consented to the intake documentation. After doing this write a list or think about the main reasons you are attending counseling and what you hope to gain from counseling. Lastly, make sure that prior to your first online session you are in a comfortable and private space. It may be helpful to have some water, a pet, a box of tissues, and/or something to fidget with to help with nervous energy.

What happens in the first session?

During an initial session for individual therapy, your therapist is going to conduct a brief intake assessment to gain a better understanding of you, your needs, personal history, and goals/expectations for treatment. They will ask questions to better understand presenting mental health symptoms and needs.

During a couples session using the Gottman Method, your therapist will conduct the oral history interview. This is a set of open-ended questions your therapist uses to better understand the story of the couple’s relationship and their philosophy of relationships/marriage.

Please note, at no point does a person have to answer a question if they are uncomfortable. If you are feeling uncomfortable with any questions from your therapist communicate this and ask to keep moving forward in the session.

Will I have homework?

Counseling homework is entirely unique to the therapist’s philosophy of treatment. Personally, I believe some of the best growth and healing happens outside the therapeutic space when we apply the skills learned in counseling. I often assign homework to clients - anything from journaling, deep breathing, having fun, etc - based on the unique needs of my clients.

When will I have my next session?

Research shows that consistent, weekly therapy is the most effective timeframe for counseling and therapy. With that said, scheduling is a decision made between client and counselor based on availability. You may have a “standing session,” or weekly commitment to counseling at the same time. You may have more sporadic or flexible session dates and times. Typically speaking, at the end of sessions, your counselor will schedule the next appointment with you.

What if I don’t like what happened in the first session or I am not sure it is a good match?

5 minutes is too long to spend in bad therapy. If in your first session it becomes clear this is not a good match or you did not like what happened, you have the right to end your session at any time. You also have the right to end treatment entirely if you did not like your experience. Of course, there are growing pains when healing emotional wounds, relationships, and trauma, however, if your gut is saying this is not a good fit - listen and find the right fit!

Starting counseling and therapy is a massive life decision but has the potential to be life-changing in the best of ways. As mentioned before there are growing pains when healing emotional wounds, relationships, trauma, and anxiety. Genuine props to you for having the courage to read this post and start your journey!

Whether you are here today because you are curious about starting therapy, are a type-A personality who wants to be as prepared as possible, or are simply bored, my hope is this article helps you find the right therapist in Long Beach, CA, or wherever you are.

If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to call me at (562) 353-7136 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. I’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person.

If you are looking for help with anxiety and panic attacks, you can read more about how I can help here. If you are looking for help with marital issues or relationship issues, you can read more about how I can help here. Lastly, if you are looking for help and support in your perinatal journey you can read more about how I can help here.

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