People invest in counseling for different reasons. However, not all people clearly understand what they want from counseling sessions. Here are seven questions that will help you know what you expect from a visit to the counseling center.
1. Do you accept insurance?
Before your first counseling session, ask if the counseling center accepts insurance. It will help to budget and cut down on expenses. You will most likely have an additional cost you can pay out of pocket.
Discuss with your counselor and ask how much you need and the options available. It will enable you to plan for the counseling sessions.
2. Which documents do I need to fill out?
Depending on the counseling clinic’s legal requirements, there are documents to fill in. These documents help the counselor know you better and understand the kind of help you need.
They include;
- Medical records
- Privacy requirements
- Objectives of counseling
- Payment methods/Insurance
You can ask your counselor to help you fill in the information. Some counseling clinics have online forms to fill out before starting your sessions.
3. What happens during a session, and how do I prepare for one?
If you are making your first visit to a counseling clinic, it is normal to be anxious. Ask your counselor what you need to know and how a typical session occurs. You can also ask for the materials to carry or read to prepare yourself.
It will put your mind at ease and prepare you mentally. It will also clear the confusion and help you relax when you come in for the first session.
4. What kind of counseling do I need?
There are different types of counseling services for diverse people. Counseling helps to identify the problem and assist the individual in solving it. Therefore, you need to know the kind of problem you have to get the right professional.
Councilors can handle different issues, and some specialize in certain fields. Identify specific areas like career, relationship, marriage, sexuality, education, or lifestyle in general.
5. How many sessions will you have?
Before you can continue, know how many sessions you might need. It will help you plan your resources accordingly and prepare psychologically for them. Some issues take longer to unwrap and while others take a shorter time.
Counseling sessions take approximately one hour. Group counseling takes longer than one hour, so you have to plan on your schedule. Ask your counselor how long the session will take and how many you need.
6. What are your objectives for getting counseling?
If you have started counseling, then you must be looking for help. Set the goals you want to achieve after counseling and what you expect from the counseling. Write them down and discuss them with your counselor.
It enables you to focus on getting better and commit to counseling. When setting the objectives, make sure that they are achievable.
7. What do I need to do to achieve my objectives in counseling?
You have to adapt to different behavior patterns and leave others. Before you start counseling, change your schedule and find different practices to help you commit to your counseling.
Final words
It is normal to feel confused and nervous for your first session. These questions will help you get some answers and prepare before visiting a counseling center. If you want to visit a counseling center, use the questions to plan for your visit.
