What to Expect in a Counseling Consultation and First Session(and How to Make the Most of It)

Taking the first step toward counseling can feel like a leap of faith. Whether you’ve been thinking about it for weeks or years, uncertainty about “what happens next” can make it harder to reach out.

I remember feeling so uneasy when I first sought out a counselor. I wasn’t sure how to share personal details or even organize my thoughts in a way that made sense. I worried the counselor might not want to work with me. And, in fact, there were times when, after I shared my story, the response was less than encouraging.

That is not how I hope to proceed with my own clients. I want you to feel welcomed and respected right from the start. To help with that, I’d like to walk you through what you can expect in a typical consultation and first session. My hope is that you will feel informed, prepared, and empowered to begin.

The Consultation Call or Interview

After I receive your message—whether by phone, text, or email—I reach out to set up a time to talk. Most consultations happen over the phone, though we can also use Zoom if that’s easier for you.

This first conversation is not just for me to learn about your reasons for seeking counseling. It’s also for you to get to know me and how I work. In that sense, the consultation is a mutual interview. We are both focused on one question: Are we a good fit for working together?

What This Means Ethically

Before becoming a counselor, I didn’t realize how central the 2014 ACA Code of Ethics is to our work. We don’t raise our hands and swear an oath, but these guidelines shape every decision and interaction.

If you’d like to read the code, here’s the link:
https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf

Every accredited counseling program includes ethics and multicultural awareness throughout its training. A few examples of the ethical standards that guide the start of counseling are:

• (A.2.a): Informed consent from the very start.

• (A.2.b): Your right to choose your counselor.

• (B.1.b): The importance of confidentiality and knowing its limits.

What I’ll Do in a Consultation

• Ask about the main concern bringing you to counseling.

• Share my background, approach, and the types of clients I work with.

• Explain confidentiality and when it has limits.

• If we meet virtually, discuss how privacy will be maintained on both ends.

• Talk about fees, scheduling, and any special considerations such as accessibility.

Client Checklist: Questions to Ask Your Counselor

It’s easy to get caught up sharing your story and forget that this is also your time to ask questions. Here’s a checklist you can bring to your consultation:

• What is your approach to counseling?

• Have you worked with clients with similar concerns?

• How do you handle confidentiality, and what are the limits?

• What happens if I need to reschedule or cancel?

• How will we know if counseling is working?

• What are your expectations for me between sessions?

• What is your availability between sessions?

• What are your fees, and do you offer a sliding scale?

Asking these questions helps you make an informed decision and sets the tone for a collaborative relationship.

Next Steps

If we decide to work together, there are a few forms to review and sign—online if possible, or in person at our first meeting:

• Informed Consent: Explains your rights, my responsibilities, and what to expect in counseling, including your HIPAA Privacy rights.

• Court-Related Fee Agreement: If testimony is ever needed, this form explains the fees and process so there are no surprises later.

• Payment Agreement: My supervisor will arrange payment. If we meet in person, I can accept payment directly, though most clients use credit cards or online payment. Fees can be adjusted based on income and need.

The First Session

1. We Meet
   My goal is to create a space where you can exhale and feel you’re in good hands. I’m mindful of comfort, accessibility, and helping you settle in. You may still feel a mix of ease, excitement, and nervousness, which is perfectly normal.

2. Review of Informed Consent
   We’ll revisit confidentiality, fees, and session structure. This is still a time to decide how we will work together and build a strong therapeutic alliance.

3. Your Story
   I may use an intake form to focus on the most relevant details for your current situation for my records. It will not be exhaustive as over time, you can share more as you feel ready and as it becomes important to your growth.

4. Goal Setting
   Together, we’ll identify starting priorities. Goals can shift over time, but they help guide your treatment plan and track progress.

Your Role in the Process

Some clients worry they’re “doing it wrong” in the first session. Here’s the truth: this is your time. You can ask questions, express uncertainty, or even decide later that I’m not the right fit.

If you choose not to continue, it’s not a breakup. I’m happy to provide referrals so you can find the best match for your needs.

 Special Considerations

• Trauma-focused counseling may move more slowly, with a focus on safety and grounding. I’m not yet certified in EMDR or somatic therapy, but I work with colleagues who are so clients can receive collaborative care.

• Couples or family counseling often begins by clarifying shared goals. Families may be looking to prevent or heal relationship ruptures, which can involve balancing space with recovery.

• Multiculturalism includes many identifiers, such as gender identity, sexual orientation, neurodiversity, political views, and socioeconomic status, alongside race, ethnicity, and religion. My teaching and research background supports my ability to embrace and explore these differences in counseling. It’s something that I love about meeting new people, as we turn our differences into areas of new connections.

Closing Thoughts

Your first step into counseling can be both exciting and reassuring. The consultation and first session help create trust, clarity, and direction.

My role is to provide a safe and supportive space. Your role is to bring your questions, your story, and your hopes for change. Together, we decide if this is the right path forward.

Counseling is for you, and you are in charge.