If you are here for counseling…
Your first counseling appointment is considered an Intake Appointment. This is really the first step in you and your clinician getting to know one another. Here is what you can expect:
01
Prior to your first session, your clinician will have sent you some documents and forms on TherapyPortal to fill out. It’s important to do these beforehand so your counselor can go ahead and start getting to know you and be fully prepared for your session.
02
When you arrive, your clinician will start by reviewing the paperwork to see if you have any questions or concerns. They will also review important legal information with you regarding your right to privacy and limits of confidentiality.
03
After that, you’ll spend some time discussing your desire for counseling, what you are hoping for, and your clinician will give you more information about their approach and start to narrow a treatment plan. This is really where you and your counselor make sure you’re a good fit for one another. Personality matters! It is important that you feel comfortable with your counselor, the space you are in, and the approach you and your counselor discuss taking.
04
All of our counselors are trained and prepared for your feedback regarding your felt safety and hope for change. If for any reason you do not feel like the counselor you see is not a good fit for you, let them know! We are happy to listen to your feedback and connect you with a counselor that fits your needs best.
It is also important to connect with a counselor equipped to work with you and your circumstances. If your counselor feels you may be a better fit for another clinician with more experience or training regarding your needs, they may want to discuss that with you after getting to know you a little more.
It all comes down to this...
Once you’re here, New Rhythms Therapeutic Center is with you all the way. We will help connect you to the resources, clinicians, and support you need to find healing and hope. We cannot wait to meet you.
Want a little more to help gather your own thoughts about what you’re hoping for through counseling? Check out this reflection activity crafted by our counselors to help yourself mentally and emotionally prepare:
Welcome
Whether you’ve been to a counselor before or this is your first time, we understand that starting the therapy process can be daunting. Please know the clinicians at New Rhythms Therapeutic Center are here to help make starting this process as smoothly as possible for you. If you need or would like any certain clarification or need accommodations, please let your clinician know!
Check out our step-by-step directions linked at the top of this page.
Okay, so you’ve got the physical part of the first session down, but say you’d like to know more of what the first session is like? Keep reading!