What should you expect in your counselling sessions? Your first counselling session can be anxiety-provoking and a bit nerve-racking. As a psychotherapist in Ontario, I will share the main things you should expect during the counselling process. I will also share ways you can better prepare and get the most from your counselling sessions.
COUNSELLING INTAKE PROCESS
The counselling process usually starts with an initial assessment during an intake or a first session. Every therapist has a way of conducting an initial evaluation to ensure a fit between the client's presenting concerns and the therapist's areas of expertise. Different therapists have different specializations and try to work within their areas of competency. For example, in our counselling practice, we help clients improve their self-esteem, relationships, and anxiety and depression. We invite potential clients to fill out an online intake form. Based on the information provided, we then review the intake and decide if we can support them with their areas of concern. When not a fit, we may refer clients to other clinics.
FIRST COUNSELLING SESSION
The first session is more of a background information-gathering session. For example, in the first session, your therapist may ask you about your past counselling experiences, family history, history of any mental health issues and medications, current difficulties and their history.
MAXIMIZE YOUR COUNSELLING
The first session is a chance for you to express yourself and talk about all the concerns bringing you to counselling. It helps if you share your experience with counselling and whether they were positive or negative. Sharing your counselling experience allows your therapist to understand what has worked for you and what hasn't. The first session is a good chance to discuss your needs with your therapist and what you hope to get out of the sessions. Usually, by the end of the 1-2 sessions, you and your therapist agree on a focus for your sessions. Both you and your therapist must agree on the goals of counselling, ensuring that you are on the same page.
Your therapist will assess your goals and satisfaction with counselling on an ongoing basis. Finally, relax and enjoy the process. When counselling is not new, it helps to come with an open heart, trusting that you are in the hands of a professional who will guide and support you in this process.
FOLLOWING COUNSELLING SESSIONS
The follow-up sessions focus on gathering more information to understand you better but also focusing more on your actual current concerns. The follow-up sessions will be focused in nature to support you in processing your feelings and thoughts on a deeper level. This processing will help facilitate insight and solutions to your concerns. Sometimes your counsellor may also provide psycho-education to help you navigate your challenges more effectively. Your counselling needs and goals determine what you work on in the sessions.
By this time, you get a sense of what it is like to talk with your therapist. But, again, the beginning stage of counselling helps to notice and assess whether you feel emotionally safe with your therapist and if you have developed a rapport.
ENDING COUNSELLING
You can end counselling at any time. Some clients ask about the frequency of the counselling sessions and when it would be appropriate to stop counselling. Initially, we recommend that clients keep sessions consistent by either meeting weekly or bi-weekly with the therapist. However, depending on the client's presenting concerns and level of distress as therapy progresses, the sessions can be less frequent (i.e.monthly). Supportive counselling to maintain your gains from counselling can occur every month.
COUNSELLING OUTCOME
Regardless of your therapist's therapy approach, you should start to sense some relief from emotional distress and improve by the fifth session. That's how you know whether the sessions have been helping you. If you are looking to find a therapist in Ontario, check out our guide on how to find the best therapist in Ontario.
In conclusion, if you are new to therapy, here is what to expect from your counselling sessions:
- Completing an intake form to give your therapist enough information to assess therapist-client fit
- The first 1-2 sessions being focused on about gathering more information about your family/personal background and current difficulties
- As sessions continue, focusing on the current difficulties and collaboratively finding solutions for them
