A. Finding a Qualified Counselor
People commonly look online for counselors and other mental health services these days. Websites like Psychology Today and Good Therapy have free, public directories. Alternatively, many people get counselor referrals from doctors or friends.
Always verify that a counselor is qualified by checking their social media/website presence. Counselors will often list their qualifications, theoretical orientation, and so forth in their bio. An acronym (e.g. LPC, LMFT, LCSW) will be listed next to their name, showcasing their license to practice counseling (see Counseling: What is It? for more information on professional titles). For LPCs and LMFTs, you can verify their credentials at the Arkansas.gov Counselor and Marriage-Family Therapist Licensee Search portal. If you cannot find specific qualifications, ask them directly! Be wary of titles that are unclear or misleading; a “mental health coach” is not a counselor.
After locating a qualified counselor, you can either contact them via online directory or locate their contact information on their website/social media page. Keep your initial message short! Include your name, contact information, presenting problem (what issue are you seeking help for?), general location, and insurance provider.
If the counselor has availability and accepts your insurance, they will reach back out to setup an appointment with you (if not, they may provide a referral). In your response, you may elaborate on any special circumstances, requests, or questions for the counselor, in addition to the times and frequency you are able to meet.
B. Preparing for Your First Counseling Appointment
Prior to your first appointment, you will likely be asked to fill out some paperwork. This may be a digital packet you receive via email or paper forms you receive in the waiting room on the day of your first session. For paper forms, arrive 15-20 minutes early to your appointment so the documents can be submitted on time (this is important for insurance/billing!) and any payment issues can be sorted.
New patient forms generally ask for basic information, such as name, contact information, address, and so forth. A copy of your insurance and billing information will also be requested. You may be asked to provide details about your family’s medical history along with a list of your current mental health symptoms. Read each section carefully! The instructions may offer a specific time frame (e.g. past 12 months, past 30 days) in which to consider your responses. Mental health professionals can only help you as much as you let them, so be honest in your responses.
Information concerning informed consent, client rights, HIPAA, company policies, payment options, and late/cancellation fees must be provided to all clients. Read over these sections carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities as the client.
Get plenty of rest the night before your appointment. If you have a lot on your mind, consider writing a list for your counselor. Jot down any concerns you have about your mental health, any negative symptoms you’ve been experiencing, and/or any goals for improvement. Introductions can be a bit intimidating! By having a list, you can stay on track and remember everything that you want to say.
C. Attending Your First Counseling Session
In-person counseling sessions take place in a private room. Counseling rooms are often peaceful, with calming colors, comfortable furniture, and gentle lighting. A sound machine usually sits outside the door to maintain privacy.
Initial counseling sessions are generally for information gathering. To write an effective treatment plan, the counselor will need to gather some background information and details about what brought you into counseling today. If you are not sure what to talk about, the counselor may ask questions or encourage rapport-building exercises. It may feel awkward or stress-inducing to open up to a stranger, but effective counselors don’t judge or pressure their clients. Take a breath and go at your own pace!
The counseling process will look different for everyone; however, there will be a beginning, a middle, and an end to your counseling journey. These components are often referred to as the initial phase, the working phase, and the closing phase. The initial phase is focused on relationship building between the counselor and their client. Likewise, the counselor aims to understand their client through discussion, assessment, and/or diagnosis. Later, during the working phase, client goals are set and counseling interventions are employed by the counselor to facilitate problem-solving. Lastly, in the closing phase, the counselor and client construct a long-term maintenance plan before agreeing to an amicable ending point.
Counselor-client interactions/interventions will be defined by your counselor’s theoretical orientation. Some counselors will be more gentle and soothing, yet provide little feedback. Others may provide direct but constructive confrontation. You may even get a counselor who assigns homework!
D. Planning Your Next Counseling Session
Individual counseling sessions last between 45 to 60 minutes. The last 5 minutes are often used to confirm the following appointment. The frequency of sessions will depend on your needs and availability. Some people attend counseling twice a week while others go once a month. You can always change your frequency to have greater or fewer sessions as time goes on.
From the start of counseling to the end of treatment, it could take 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years. Many people stay with the same counselor for a decade, only visiting them during times of distress. Alternatively, some counselors practice brief therapies that last mere weeks. For more significant mental health struggles, it may take longer for counseling services to be effective. This aspect will be up to you (and your insurance)!
Client motivation plays an equally important role in the length of time it takes to see improvement. How committed are you to making positive change? What other factors are contributing to your success (e.g. prescription medication, social support system, self-care)?
E. “Breaking Up” with Your Counselor
Each counselor has a unique way of practicing counseling. The success of your relationship will depend on “goodness of fit” and how well you match with your counselor (and vice versa)!
As with all relationships, there may come a day when you feel you’re no longer growing from your counseling relationship. You may start considering whether or not to “break up” with your counselor… and that’s 100% normal and okay! You could be looking for something different in a counselor or perhaps you’re happy with your progress; either way, you are ready to end it. How should you break the news?
Be honest! Inform the counselor of your intentions to terminate the relationship. You don’t need to go into an in-depth explanation of your reasons. Counselors are prepared to accept “break ups” with good humor and well-wishes for their client. They may even offer recommendations for another counselor who would be a better fit.
It’s important to find a counselor who matches your energy and employs a complementary theoretical approach. If you haven’t reached your mental health goals, keep trying!
MIND the First Step 