What to Expect
It is completely normal to be uncertain about what to expect during the first counseling session. Your session will last 45-60 minutes, depending on your insurance coverage. Here is an outline of what you can anticipate during the first session. I will:
- Introduce myself and provide some background about my professional experiences
- Discuss the confidential nature of the client/therapist relationship and provide a written confidentiality statement
- Ask you to discuss what motivated you to seek counseling
- Ask questions to clarify and/or explore further the problem you describe
- At the end of the session, I will identify areas that I believe could be addressed in future counseling sessions
Notice of Confidentiality
The law protects the relationship between a client and a psychotherapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission. Exceptions include:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse. I am required by law to report this abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s, I must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm him/herself, I will make every effort to engage the client to ensure their safety. If the client does not cooperate, I will take further measures that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety. This will be done without the client's permission.
