INFORMATION ON WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN STARTING COUNSELING FOR THE FIRST TIME.
YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT: WHAT TO EXPECT.
Your first appointment is called an intake session. The counselor uses the first session to evaluate the nature of the client's concerns by addressing any questions the client may have. Once the client is comfortable with moving forward with the counselor, the therapist will then start the intake assessment process, address the client's reason(s) for starting counseling, then develop a treatment plan that reflects your goals. Please note that it may take several sessions for the counseling and the client to complete the intake process.
INTAKE SESSION: WHAT TO EXPECT
Your appointment will start with an informal introduction. The counselor will ask you if you have any questions or concerns about the intake paperwork you completed. The counselor will address any questions or concerns you may have about the counseling process. Inform you of your client rights, address confidentiality and answer any questions or concerns about HIPPA (going over to make sure you understand or have any questions or concerns). Review your reason for seeking counseling and develop an understanding of your goals, expectations for counseling. Begin the intake process. Set the stage for the next session, reflect over the session, discuss things to think about, and talk about in the next session.
THERAPY SESSION: WHAT TO EXPECT
The therapy session is unique for each person and is tailored to meet their specific goals. It is standard to discuss primary issues and concerns in your life during therapy sessions. The sessions usually last 50 minutes each and are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. Occasionally, individuals going through an especially difficult challenge may request more than one session per week. Therapy can be short-term, focused on a specific issue, or it can be long-term, addressing more complex issues, and/or personal growth over time. During therapy, you may be asked to take certain actions outside of the sessions, such as reading a relevant book or keeping records to track certain behaviors. After each session, it's important to process what was discussed and integrate what you have learned into your daily life. Therapy is most effective when you are an active participant, both during and between sessions.
I recommend for your to have a journal to help you keep track of appointment, goals, important things discussed, homework, journaling, tracking behavior, feelings, and things you would like to address in therapy.
Population Served
Business Professional
Care Givers
College Students
Essential Worker
First Responders
Government Employees
Health Care Providers & Workers
LGBT+ Community Military/Veterans
Single Parents
Teacher/Educator
Specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Grief & Loss
Mental Health
Life Transitions
Personality Disorders
Relationship issues
Self-esteem & discovery
Social Anxiety
Trauma
Recovering from Toxic Relationship(s), and more.
Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Compassion Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR)
Existential Therapy
Reality Therapy
Jennifer L. Hillier M.A. LPC & CCTP
8620 N. New Braunfels Ave Suite #538
San Antonio, Texas 78217
Accepting New Clients for Teletherapy Only.
Texas & Florida Residents Only.
Most Insurance, EAP, & Medicaid Accepted!
OON w/Superbill Provided & Private Pay.
Evening & Weekend Appointments Available.
Schedule & Manage Your Appointment Online.
Currently Not Seeing Client Face to Face
All Sessions Conducted Online via HIPAA
Secure Telehealth Platform.