If you鈥檝e never been to counseling for students before, walking into your first session can feel both exciting and intimidating. Knowing what to expect and how to make the most of it can help you start with confidence. Questions about 樱花视频?
College life brings a mix of academic pressure, social changes, and personal challenges. Whether you鈥檙e feeling stressed, anxious, or simply need someone to talk to, counseling can be a powerful tool for growth and emotional well-being.
But many students hesitate to make an appointment because they鈥檙e unsure what the process will be like. This guide will walk you through what typically happens in a first therapy session and offer tips to help you get the most out of your time.
1. Start with the Paperwork
Your first step will be completing intake forms. These provide your therapist with important background information, such as your personal history, current concerns, and what you hope to achieve.
Think of this as a roadmap鈥攊t helps your therapist understand your needs before the conversation even begins.
- Tip: Fill out forms honestly and thoroughly. The more accurate the information, the better your therapist can support you.
2. The 鈥淏usiness Side鈥 of Counseling
During your initial appointment, expect to cover some logistical and legal basics. Your therapist will explain:
- Confidentiality and its limits
- How sessions are scheduled and rescheduled
- Payment and insurance procedures (if applicable)
- Their therapeutic style and
It can feel like a lot of information at once, but these details set the stage for a safe and productive relationship. Don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions! Your comfort and clarity are important.
3. The 鈥淕et to Know You鈥 Conversation
Once the formalities are complete, the focus turns to you. This is your opportunity to share what鈥檚 on your mind and what led you to counseling.
Your therapist may ask about:
- Who lives with you and what your home life is like
- Your support network鈥攆riends, family, or community connections
- Past counseling experiences and what worked (or didn鈥檛)
- Specific concerns or goals that brought you in
You don鈥檛 need to prepare perfect answers. Just be open and honest. Your therapist is there to listen without judgment.
4. Tips for Making the Most of Your First Session
While every therapist and student is different, a few strategies can help you get off to a strong start:
- Bring notes about what you want to discuss, especially if you鈥檙e nervous you鈥檒l forget in the moment.
- Be honest about your feelings, even if you鈥檙e unsure how to describe them.
- Ask questions about anything you don鈥檛 understand, from treatment approaches to scheduling.
- Remember, it鈥檚 okay to be nervous. Most people are in the beginning.
Counseling for Students: Start Your Journey with Confidence
Starting counseling is an important step toward taking care of your mental health.
It鈥檚 normal to feel unsure before your first session, but with a little preparation, you can step into that office or log into that video call feeling ready to begin.
The right support can make your college years not just manageable, but deeply rewarding.
If you鈥檇 like to learn more about counseling options available to 樱花视频 students, Visit to begin your 樱花视频 journey. Questions? Fill out our , email admissions@glcc.edu, or call 800-937-4522 (800-YES-樱花视频)鈥攚e鈥檙e here to help!
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By Professor Marhley Parks-Teachworth, Psychology & Counseling, Great Lakes Christian College