going to counseling tomorrow..what to expect

Puppins

So I am going to my 1st meeting with a counselor tomorrow. What should I expect? Should  I have a list of things I want to talk about? Will I be doing most of the talking? Will she? I really have no idea what to expects. TIA

betizzle73

I suppose all therapists do things differently, but usually, the first session is for them to get to know you and get an understanding of what the problem/issue is. At mine, she asked me what I was there for, I told her my story, and every time I got to a stopping point, she would ask me a question and I'd talk more. I'd say I talked 95% of the time. At the end, we talked about what things I felt like I needed help with, and what things she noticed that I might be having some trouble with. hth!

cutebride73

I am a counselor, currently at a school but I used to do family counseling as well.  Like pp said - the first session is more of a get to know you.  She/he will want you to tell them why you are there and they may ask some questions.  They aren't most likely going to talk a whole lot, but it will depend.  With the kids at school I have to get to the bottom of things quickly, but in an out-patient session it is different. 

Does the counselor specialize in grief counseling?  Eventually, after a couple of sessions she/he may give you "homework" to work on during the time between your sessions - whether that is reading a particular book or writing about your feelings.  For grief counseling especially, the counselors role is pretty clear, to help your process and move through your grief.

Of course, if other issues come up in the course of the sessions, they will deal with that too.  Especially any unresolved grief from the past - that can compound your grief now. 

Best of luck at your appointment.  Try not to be nervous - I am sure it will be fine. 

bestep

DH and I went for a couple of weeks. I found some of it to be helpful (It was a safe environment where we could just talk) but I saw that DH had a hard time talking to a stranger about hard issues( he mostly made small talk). I have thought about going by myself to talk about it. But I overall think it is a great healing tool! I hope you find it helpful!

kaw2723

I'm going to my first session with a therapist tomorrow too! I hope it turns out to be a good experience for both of us. I went to a therapist a couple of times after my mom died when I was in college and didn't click with the therapist at all, so it wasn't very helpful. He did way too much talking and wanted to talk about all sorts of things that I didn't want to discuss. I just hope my experience tomorrow turns out to be better than that.