What Your Therapist Wants You To Know

Now that you have decided to seek support from a mental health professional, you surely have some questions as to what to expect. I have had many clients who come in for their first session with some worry as they are not sure what the process and their sessions will include. While no one therapist can speak for all, there are some general aspects of the therapeutic processes and relationship that therapists would like clients to know.

We Are Glad You Are Here

We look forward to our sessions! We prepare topics, reviews, activities, and yes even homework assignments because we are excited to work with you. Therapists are trained throughout their schooling and career in research-based information and techniques meaning we are adept at divining the most appropriate ways to provide services to meet the variety of needs for which a client. We are ready to provide you with psychoeducation to help you understand your needs better, methods to learn coping skills to manage symptoms, keep a safe place for you to talk about and reflect upon your life situations, and help you to see and use your personal strengths to reach your goals. Therapists commit a great deal of time learning and reflecting on how we can best support our clients and grow their own skills and we are ready to pass along all that we have learned. It is exciting work that many identify as a “calling” and we are happy to share our space with you.

We Are Not Judging You

We hear this as one of the most common worries for clients. You may feel that you are surrounded by constant scrutiny from family, friends, work, and of course social media, and we want you to know that our space is one where all of that can be left at the door. Therapists are specifically trained to recognize our personal thoughts and feelings so that we can see clients through unbiased eyes. This takes intentionality and we are constantly checking ourselves to ensure that we can do this to the highest ethical standards. We know that the best way to process thoughts and feelings is to do so without being inhibited by how you may be worried something will sound and we are here to help hold up a microphone so that you can hear your thoughts reflected back to you and make decisions for your own life. Therapists are often amazed at the level of insight that clients possess about themselves and we are ready to help grow that insight into sustainable actions.

You May Be Uncomfortable

We cannot promise that therapy will be comfortable at all times. In fact, it is very likely that you will experience moments of discomfort. But, it is a general truth that we don’t change unless we are uncomfortable with where we are. Let me be very clear, discomfort does not automatically equal bad; it typically means that your values, thoughts, and actions are not in alignment. We can help you get those back in sync by providing you with the techniques that allow you to decide how to best do this. We guide, we do not tell; we educate, we do not direct. This can cause some discomfort as you learn the skills to navigate what you want for yourself but we will be with you. We believe in you and want you to succeed, whatever that looks like for you.

We Are here to Help

The intake process here at Counsel RVA is straightforward and you have support through each step of the process. We have administrative staff to help you navigate through insurance questions, complete intake documents, and help you link to the therapist who can best support your identified needs. You will be scheduled with a therapist for an intake session where you will meet your therapist who will review all policies and procedures verbally to ensure that you can have your questions answered. You and your therapist will develop a plan of action based on your specific needs and goals and develop a schedule for you to meet. By taking these steps, you will be on your way to making changes in your life and we will be ready when you are.