First visit information:
“Are you about to go to a counselor for the first time? Whatever your reason for seeking help, you will be more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect.
In your first session, the therapist typically will ask certain questions about you and your life. This information helps her make an initial assessment of your situation. Questions she might ask include:
Why you sought therapy. A particular issue probably led you to seek counseling. The therapist has to understand your surface problem(s) before he can get to the deeper issues.
Your personal history and current situation. The therapist will ask you a series of questions about your life. For example, because family situations play an important role in who you are, she will ask about your family history and your current family situation.
Your current symptoms. Other than knowing the reason you sought therapy, the therapist will attempt to find out if you’re suffering from other symptoms of your problem. For example, your problem might be causing difficulty at work.
The therapist will use this information to better understand your problem. And, while she may make a diagnosis at the end of your first visit, it’s more likely that a diagnosis will take a few more sessions.”