What to Expect When Starting Counseling

Searching for a Counselor

There are different ways to find a counselor. You can receive a referral from an EAP or health professional. You can also search websites such as Psychology Today, Open Path Collective, Good Therapy, etc. There are often filters to help you find counselor options based on cost, insurance, location, speciality, and other personal preferences.

Consultation

Many counselors offer a free consultation with the goal of deciding if you’re a good fit to work together. Information typically covered in a consultation will be your presenting concerns and needs, availability, pricing, and counselor's theoretical approach.

Paperwork

You will be given paperwork to complete ahead of time or during your initial intake appointment. This will cover informed consent, professional disclosures, and practice policies. There will also be a place for you to share more information about your current experiences and relevant history.

Initial Intake

The counselor should review informed consent and clarify any details of the paperwork you signed. The counselor should share their approach to counseling and how it would be helpful, as well as answer any questions you may have. The counselor will ask questions to learn more about you and the history of your concerns. There may be formal assessments completed during this time. You will work with the counselor to create attainable goals for counseling.

Counseling Sessions

You will take steps toward meeting your goals. You may be asked to reflect, develop resources, and complete activities with your counselor based on their therapeutic approach. You are the expert on your life and have autonomy in what you choose to focus on in sessions.

Termination

You have the opportunity to terminate the counseling relationship at any time for any reason. You should not feel that you have to stay with a counselor if it doesn’t feel right. A collaborative plan will be created together when its time to end counseling. This might include referral to another counselor, health professional, or giving you the control to book sessions as needed.