What to expect from counseling
What to Expect from Counseling
Hello there! Starting counseling for the first time, or starting counseling with a new counselor, can feel really new and it can be helpful to know what to expect.
Intake Phase
In our first session, we will go over how counseling works- my role, your role, etc. We will review policies, and talk about what brings you to counseling and how I can be of help. Feel free to ask as many questions at this time and any other time!
Assessment Phase
The first 2–4 sessions are focused on understanding you. I will ask questions about your past (e.g. what was the best time in your life? what was the worst time of your life?), needs (if you don’t know what these are, that’s okay! its common not to know, we can figure it out together), daily life, and relationships. We will also decide how to make sessions comfortable—for example, whether you prefer the camera on or off, using chat, or taking breaks.
If at any point you realize you would like to try counseling with someone else, that is completely fine! This happens sometimes and I don’t take it personally. Throughout this process I encourage you to ask for what you need, and I can refer you to many other wonderful mental health professionals to work with.
Goal Setting
After the assessment, we will set goals together. My approach is client-centered and neurodivergent-affirming. That means I deeply believe you are the expert on you. You set your goals, and together we explore different ways to meet them.
Other examples of goals may include:
Practicing interoception skills (understanding body signals like hunger or stress), and finding what feels comforting & soothing
Developing compassionate self-talk that feels true
Advocating for your needs in different situations
Trying things that might be scary or hard, but that align with your goals (you identify what those are)
Building routines that work for you
Strengthening relationships
Finding more clarity about who you are and what you want
We will review your goals as you make progress, and adjust as needed. I will ask for feedback on what’s helped and what I could do better, to make sure you get the support you need and deserve.
Intervention Phase
In this phase, we work on your goals together. This phase could last months to possibly years (you get to decide). The more you are able to share your experiences and implement strategies in and outside counseling, the more helpful counseling will be. I bring knowledge of different mental health strategies we can try, and I try to create a safe, validating, and judgement-free space to try them. I may suggest strategies such as deep breathing, or developing more helpful thoughts, but you always get to decide what we try and how we move forward. You are in charge of the pace and process, and I am here to support you.
Graduation/Closing
As you reach your goals, we will discuss when it makes sense to end counseling. This may include spacing out sessions (we may go from once per week to once every other week, to then once per month, and so forth and see how you are adjusting to this change). We will review what you have gained, and plan supports for the future. The goal is for you to feel ready and confident moving forward. Eventually, clients move to an ‘as needed’ basis- when you need me you can reach out and we can find a time to meet.
Feel free to reach out and ask any questions about the process!