My First Appointment is Approaching…What Should I Expect?
If you’re reading this now, you’ve already taken a big step. Counseling is a process of self-reflection and growth, but you may have a mix of feelings leading up to your first appointment. This could be especially true if you have never attended counseling before but even if you have, each clinician has a unique process for how they begin with a new client. This blog post will share everything you need to know about my approach to the first meeting in our work together.
Making the Appointment
If you have made the decision to start counseling at my practice, there are a number of ways to initiate the process. You can:
Email me at tmcbain@mcbaincounseling.com
Reach me by phone at (313) 751-7305
Submit your information to the Contact tab on this website.
I will be in touch to schedule your free 20-minute phone consultation. The phone consultation gives us a chance to meet one another and ensure that working together is a good fit by discussing things like availability, service fees, and your initial concerns bringing you to therapy.
Once we move forward with scheduling a date and time for your first session, I will also create an account for you in my online system. You will have access to all of the onboarding paperwork in the client portal by the end of our conversation.
Before the First Session
In the time between the phone consultation and your first appointment, it may be of your benefit to complete the following tasks:
Finish all onboarding paperwork
Ensure you have a private space for your session
Reflect on your goals and the expectations you have for our work together. What are you hoping to get out of this experience?
If you are planning to use your insurance, be sure to call your insurance provider to verify your Out Of Network coverage for telehealth mental health benefits
Before each session, you will receive an email that contains a link to the telehealth session. If you ever have trouble navigating the system, please call or email me so I can assist.
During the First Session
In our first meeting together, you bring a unique experience while I bring a consistent process. Here are a few things you can expect from me during the first counseling session:
I will spend time introducing myself and answering any questions you have
I will go over limits to confidentiality and other housekeeping items to orient you to the therapeutic process
I will ask questions throughout our time together to get to know you and gather an understanding of how I can help with your concern
I will take time to share my initial thoughts about how my approach and techniques can help you reach your goals. This will give you a better idea of what our work together may look like.
All of your sessions will be conducted through a secure telehealth system. This means you have the flexibility to attend session from home or any suitable space that is private, safe, and free of distraction.
My hope is that your experience in the first session is feeling welcomed, supported, and heard. I take your commitment to this work seriously and am here as your advocate throughout this process.
After the First Session
After any counseling session, it may be nice to get into the practice of taking care of yourself in healthy ways. Just like how fruit and vegetables are part of a healthy diet, some healthy options for the mind and body while you are attending counseling might include:
Drinking plenty of water
Getting plenty of sleep
Saying kind things to yourself
Intentionally creating pleasure or happiness in your day
At your next appointment, I will have your treatment plan prepared for our discussion. This treatment plan acts as a map so we can track your progress and ensure you achieve the growth you are hoping for. There will be times after future sessions where we have collaborated on exercises or homework for you to complete before our next meeting, but this typically does not happen after the first session.
