FAQ

Helpful Information

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Many people feel nervous before their first appointment, wondering what their therapist will ask, or what they should tell their therapist. Your therapist will primarily want to hear the reasons you made the appointment, what you believe to be the problem, ways you tried to solve the problem , and what you hope to accomplish during sessions. To better understand you and/or your family, your counselor will likely ask questions about important parts of your life and how they are impacted your presented problem. If you and your therapist decide to continue working together, you will begin developing goals for your session. 

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO FEEL BETTER?

Some people begin to feel better as soon as they make their appointment or at the time of their first session. There can be a sense of relief when you make the commitment to address an issue that is problematic. More often, however, people do not feel better immediately. Therapy is sometimes emotionally painful, because it involves an active effort to look at yourself and your life situations in a very deep and honest way, and to make some difficult changes. If the problems that bring you to therapy were easy to solve, you would have solved them without the guidance of a professional. Though the short-term distress of addressing problems and making changes may feel challenging, keep in mind that the potential long-term gains can feel well worth it. When therapy is successful, the positive gains in self-esteem, improved relationships and coping skills will far outweigh the distress of making changes.