Are you about to go to a counselor for the first time? Whatever your reason for seeking help, you will be more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect.

In your first session, the therapist typically will ask certain questions about you and your life. This information helps them make an initial assessment of your situation.

 

Questions might include:

Why you sought therapy. A particular issue probably led you to seek counseling. The therapist wants to understand your surface concern(s).

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Your personal history and current situation. The therapist will ask you a series of questions about your life. For example, because family situations play an important role in who you are, the therapist will ask about your family history and your current family situation.

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Remember, be open. Therapists are trained to ask the right questions, but they’re not mind readers. The therapist can do their 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’s wrong” and to describe your feelings about your concern. One way to prepare is to write down the reasons you’re seeking help. Make a list and then read it out loud. Hearing yourself say it a few times will help you describe things more clearly to the therapist.

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Ask questions. The more you understand the counseling experience or how counseling works, the more comfortable you’ll be. Ask questions about the therapy process and ask the therapist to repeat anything you don’t understand.

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Be open and honest about your feelings. A lot will be going through your head in this first session. Listen to your own reactions and feelings and share them with the therapist. You’ll both learn from these insights.