What To Expect From Your First Counseling Session - From A Houston Therapist
Online Therapy in Texas with Alejandra Machado, LPC
Ok, you finally did it! You did the searches, perhaps you spoke with a few different counselors and you’ve made your decision and scheduled an appointment. That’s a huge step, so what happens next?
It’s normal to be a little anxious or feel a little awkward in your first few sessions. This tends to slowly subside as you get more comfortable with the flow of therapy and build rapport with your therapist.
Below, I’ll walk you through what you can expect from your first counseling session and beyond.
What Happens After You Schedule?
Once you decide to move forward, there are a few logistics to complete before we meet:
Paperwork: You’ll fill out forms like informed consent, contact information, and a brief history of your background.
Insurance: If you’re using insurance, we’ll verify your benefits before starting.
Setup: Since I use a HIPAA-secure electronic health record, you’ll receive information on how to get set up before our session.
How To Prepare For Your First Session
Preparation doesn’t have to be complicated. The main things to do are:
Find a private, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted.
Bring an open mind and any questions you’d like to ask.
What Happens In The First Session?
During our first counseling session, I may:
Review the information you provided in your paperwork.
Ask questions about your current circumstances and personal history.
Collaborate with you to start identifying goals you’d like to work on.
This first session is about building a foundation so that therapy feels personalized and effective.
Will I Have Homework?
Sometimes yes and sometimes no. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. We’ll decide together if between-session exercises or journaling might be helpful for you.
How Often Will We Meet?
I tend to work with clients weekly, so would suggest weekly scheduling in the beginning. As things progress we can evaluate together whether or not to spread out our sessions.
What If It Doesn’t Feel Like A Good Fit?
Therapy is most effective when you feel comfortable with your therapist. If, after the first session, you’re unsure whether it’s a good match, I encourage you to share your thoughts with me. If it turns out we’re not the best fit, I’ll gladly provide referrals to other professionals who may better meet your needs.
Remember, trying something new can often make us feel a little nervous, but hopefully, some of the questions above gave you a little more information on what your first counseling session could look like.
If you are still unsure about finding a therapist in Houston, call me at (281) 858-3325 for a free 15-minute phone consultation. Whether you’re interested in online therapy in Texas or need help finding the right person, I’d be happy to answer your questions.
