counselling - what to expect

[NASWM]

so my first session is tomorrow. What should I expect? I have met the lady already when I had the 'assessment' so there should be no more formalities etc. How does it work, will she tell me to start talking or what? Thanks. I'm nervous, but excited.

Im having counselling at the moment and i find it amazing I always go in thinking there's no way i can talk about myself for an hour i'm not in the mood etc but i always manage to. I don't know how she does it but i find myself talking about things i'd thought i'd forgotten I guess this is why it works. Im having cogniative behavioural therapy so she does advise but takes my lead just helps me look at things differently I am honestly dumbfounded by how well it's working. Good luck and there's nothing to worry about.

I'm trying to remember. The assessment is a bit like a first assessment - the bits where you talk about yourself and your feelings. Then they will let you go into those in more depth by asking you questions to help you to explore them. The first few sessions are preety nice, I seem to remember - as you get to talk about yourself a lot, and it is just wonderful to finally be with someone who accepts you and really wants to listen to you.

Don't make the mistake I did and think they are only in it for the money. They genuinely want to listen to you and it is an important part of counselling that they hold a positive regard for you - in other words they like you. If they aren't able to do this, they wouldn't have agreed to go beyond the assessment.

Hi. I remember asking a question similar to this on MN last year. I too went for counselling for depression. I don't remember exactly how the questions started off. I think the counsellor was interested in who I was to start with. My family, my home, children etc. She also asked me how I was feeling and how long I had felt that way.
The first session was basically all introduction. At the end she told me what she would be going through with me at the next one and gave me "homework" to do. Home work being things to think about ready for the next session.
I remember coming out of there on that first time feeling absolutely drained.
I no longer go to these sessions but they definitely helped me to look at life in a totally different way. She didn't solve my problems but she helped me learn how to deal and live with them in a better way that I was. Hope this makes sense.
Good luck.

"The assessment is a bit like a first assessment"

obviously I meant

"The first session is a bit like the assessment."

Thanks everyone. Got to go DH hovering

NASWM - how did the counselling go?

Thanks Sparkler. It was ok. Think it is going to be a long road, and will no doubt get worse before it get better. But I'm pleased I've started the journey. Thanks for asking. I've got another tough day today with DS at hospital so got to dash now. This week is 'one of those weeks'!