If this is you, you probably have a million questions going through your head about what the process is like, what an appointment is like, and what actually happens. If you’ve never been to therapy before, your idea of therapy might be thinking of Neil from ‘The Santa Clause’ constantly asking his step-son Charlie “How does that make you feel?” Well… at least at Ott Counseling, and probably many other therapists’ offices, this is not very accurate. We understand that starting therapy can bring up feelings of uncertainty, and that while stigma surrounding going to therapy is dwindling, you may still have concerns. Knowing what to expect in your first session can help ease these feelings and set the foundation for a meaningful therapeutic journey. So, what exactly happens in your first counseling session at Ott Counseling? We are so glad you asked!
Before Your Session: Preparation and Paperwork
Prior to your first appointment, you may be asked to complete some initial paperwork. This often includes providing personal information, medical history, and any current medications. All of this information is kept completely confidential and allows your therapist to understand your background and tailor the session to your needs. You can come to our office in Cheektowaga a few minutes before your appointment to complete this info, or we can also help you access it securely right through our client portal so you can get it taken care of ahead of time. Either way, we take your medical history seriously, and want to know as much as we can about you. This helps us provide the proper therapies, look at your whole picture, and make the best recommendations for your mental and overall wellbeing.
Starting the Conversation: Building a Connection
Your first therapy session is an opportunity to start building a connection with your therapist. This is always a safe space for you to share your story, but there's no pressure to disclose everything immediately. Each session is time limited, and this is for a good reason - Often many of the things that we talk about take a while to digest, and going through too much in one session often isn’t as effective towards making progress with what you’re going through. There’s no need to rush - All great things take time. Progress takes time. We want to work with you piece by piece and help you build the skills to manage all of the obstacles that life throws at you.
Discussing Your Background: Understanding Your Story
To gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation, your therapist may ask about various aspects of your life, such as:
- Current Concerns: What brings you to therapy at this time?
- Personal History: Information about your upbringing, relationships, and significant life events.
- Mental Health History: Any previous experiences with mental health issues or therapy.
- Coping Mechanisms: How you’ve managed stress or challenges in the past.
These discussions help your therapist understand your unique context and how best to support your challenges, and most importantly help you build skills that will support you in the future.
Setting Goals: Collaborating on Your Path Forward
Together, you and your therapist will identify goals for your therapy. Whether it's managing anxiety, improving relationships, or dealing with postpartum depression, setting clear objectives provides direction and purpose for your sessions. It also helps us stay on track and guide you when life takes us off in a direction other than the one we intended. As they say, “an arrow without a target misses 100% of the time”.
Addressing Questions and Concerns: Open Communication
It's natural to have questions or uncertainties about therapy. Additionally, not every therapist is a fit for every client! Your therapist is there to address any concerns you may have, such as the methods used, the frequency of sessions, or what progress might look like. Open communication fosters a trusting and effective therapeutic relationship. One of the wonderful aspects of Ott Counseling is that we offer multiple mental health counselors with a variety of backgrounds and specialties. We all work together as a team - If for any reason a therapist doesn’t quite seem like a fit for what you’re going through, let us know! We want you to succeed, and are always happy to set up a consultation with a different therapist that you think may be a better fit for you.
We're Here for You: Supporting the greater Buffalo Community and clients in New York State via telehealth
Therapy is a collaborative process. Your active participation and honesty, just as much as ours, are vital components of your progress. It's okay to feel a mix of emotions during and after your sessions; this is all part of the journey. Our practice is committed to personalized mental health counseling to individuals in Buffalo, Cheektowaga, and all of Western New York. Our New York State licensed clinicians are also able to support clients throughout New York via telehealth. We strive to create a supportive and judgement-free environment where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes.
Embarking into therapy can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with the right team to support you! If you're ready to begin, or if you have further questions about the process, please don't hesitate to
reach out to us. We are here for you every step of the way!
Here at Ott Counseling, we believe that inclusion & accessibility are at the center of everything. We welcome clients from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, culture, creed or lgbtq+ status. Here, you matter.
