If this is the first time you are seeking counseling, you may be unsure what to expect or maybe you have had counseling before and you did not feel that you connected well with the first therapist you saw. Give this article from Psychology Today a read. It provides good answers to frequently asked questions about starting the therapy process.
Finding a Therapist
A common question people ask is how to find a counselor who is a “good fit” for you. Some elements of a therapist who matches what you need include a therapist who has experience working with the issues you are seeking counseling for, a feeling of being comfortable when speaking with them and a non-judgmental demeanor. While the therapeutic relationship can take some time in developing, we all have gut feelings when we meet or talk to someone new, it’s important to hone in on how we feel about ourselves when we interact with them to determine a “good fit”.
Initial Phone Consultation
Penny offers a free 15–minute phone consultation before you schedule an initial appointment with her. She recognizes how difficult it may be to make that first contact and wants to give you the opportunity to ask questions and assess whether or not what you are looking for fits with what she is able to offer. If she is not able to meet your therapeutic needs, she will identify other resources in the area that may be a better match for your needs.
When working with children and adolescents, Penny utilizes a systemic approach in assessing and evaluating the presenting issue as well as the strengths and challenges of the system the child is in. To do this well, the initial appointment will be scheduled with only the parent(s) before engaging the child in services.
Therapy Process
The frequency of therapy sessions varies from client to client, though you can expect weekly sessions at the on-set of services. The first three to five sessions involves collecting a thorough personal history, timeline of the issue(s), and identification of treatment goals. Less frequent sessions can occur during the working phase of therapy as you practice integrating the skills and strategies learned in session into your life. There is no “one-size-fits-all” cookie-cutter template for how your therapy should look. It will be as unique as you are!
Seeing Results
Another common question asked is, “How many times will I need to see you before I ‘feel better’ (less stressed, less depressed, less worried)?” The challenges people present for therapy are informed by a multitude of factors: life experiences, identity, trauma, culture, social support, and health, to name a few. It is important to recognize that change (of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors) occur over time in small increments in order for it to be sustained. True change and relief of symptoms is unique to each individual.