Thoughts from the Therapy Chair with Joe Martino: Thinking About Therapy? Let’s talk about some common questions. (Part 2)

This is part two of a series regarding questions that people may have regarding therapy. In the first part, the following questions were answered:

  • What does it cost?
  • What about Insurance?
  • My company has an EAP. What does that mean?
  • I can’t afford any of those options, can I still get help?
  • I can’t afford any of those options, can I still get help?
  • How long is a typical session?

Today’s article will focus on the first session.

How do I make an appointment?
Our office offers a few ways to make an appointment. You can call the office line regardless of which office, we have a central intake center. You can also utilize Facebook messenger or text the main number if those options suit you better. For most offices, you will need to contact them through their phone number. Some smaller offices will not have central intakes. You may need to leave a message as they are with someone else.

What will happen in the first session?
The first session is for you and the counselor to become familiar with each other. This is generally called the “intake” session. You will be asked to fill out a variety of paperwork sheets. Your therapist will ask you a variety of questions which may range from questions about your childhood and life to the moment that brought you into therapy. At some point, the therapist should ask you about your goals in therapy. I often tell my clients that the first session is as if we are all dancing in a dark room without music. And we’re not allowed to talk to each other. There are many starts and stops. It is an information gathering session for the therapist. And, I think it should be for you as well. The thing that will matter most to the success of your therapy is your view of your relationship with your therapist. If you like him or her, there is a high probability that they will be able to help you change (assuming you truly want to change). So ask them questions. Probe them if you’d like.

How many times will I have to go?
This is variable for many reasons. Most people go anywhere from 8-12 sessions. Sometimes less, sometimes more. The important thing is that you are able to stay in the process until you find health.

How does it end?
Counseling ends when the client decides to end it. Ideally, that will be because they have found health.

The counseling process is a proven way for people to find health in their lives. People have overcome trauma, fear, and learned skills necessary to heal relationships.

It’s also hard, complicated and often painful. Healing is hard. It requires work. If you’re thinking about it, I’d encourage you to go through with it.

Engage the process.

I truly believe you will find health. It will be on the other side of most of the things you fear.

And, it will be worth it.

Joe Martino is a counselor with Joe Martino Counseling Network.  He has locations in Lowell, Grand Rapids, Greenville, and Grandville.  For more information about Joe and his business, check their website or Facebook page.  He and the rest of the counselors and staff are eager to help those in need.  

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