Healing begins with understanding.
In the sessions
If you are about to go to a counsellor for the first time you will be more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect. Usually in your first session, the therapist asks questions about you and your life. The questions may be around these areas:
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Why you sought therapy
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Your family history and upbringing
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Any current symptoms
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The counselling session is a team effort. If you don’t take an active part in the session, you won’t find the counselling experience valuable. Here are some things you can do to make your first session as successful as possible:
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Be open. Therapists are trained to ask the right questions, but they are not mind readers. The therapist can do his job more effectively if you answer the questions openly and honestly.
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Be prepared. Before you get to the session, know how to describe what the issue(s) are and to describe your feelings around this issue. If you are uncomfortable expressing this then one way to prepare is to write down the reasons you’re seeking help. Make a list and then read it out loud or bring this list with you and share it with your counsellor. Hearing yourself say it a few times will help you describe things more clearly to the therapist.​
Have realistic Expectations
Be sure to go to your first session with realistic expectations. Therapy is not a quick fix for your problem, rather it is a process. With some effort on your part and a strong relationship with your therapist, counselling can be helpful and can assist in resolving problems.
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The more you understand the counselling experience or how counselling works, the more comfortable you’ll be. Ask questions about the therapy process, and ask the therapist to repeat anything you don’t understand. If you can be open and honest about your feelings in relation to the therapist.
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A lot will be going through your head in this first session. Listen to your own reactions and feelings, and if you can share them with the therapist.