I Have My First Appointment - What to Expect

So you've made the decision to get some counseling. Good for you! Counseling is an extremely beneficial means to obtaining support, guidance and a safe outlet to explore and overcome struggles, which may be plaguing you. Now you might be asking, "What will happen when I get there?"

You may need to attend your first appointment a bit early to complete intake paperwork. Like visiting a new doctor for the first time, there is paperwork which needs to be filled out. With the age of technology, some therapists have their intake paperwork online for you to download and complete. Your therapist will provide you with instructions as to what will be required from you.

Upon getting to the office, you might see a wall panel with your therapist's name and a light switch next to their name. Go ahead and flip that wall switch. The light indicates to the therapist of a client in the waiting room. At this point, have a seat and wait. If you need to complete the intake paperwork, now is the time to fill it out. Your therapist will leave out a clipboard for you with all the paperwork for you to review and complete.

At this time, your therapist will come out to the waiting room and take you back to their office. Their office may look like a living room, with couches and chairs. Ultimately, it should feel comfortable. Have a seat!

The therapist will ask you why you're seeking therapy, how they can be of help to you, and let you know of any policies, which will help you understand the process of therapy. Ultimately, it's a "get to know you" session. Some therapists may need to know specific information and ask specific questions. Others may give you the floor to discuss your needs, concerns and expectations.

However your therapist directs the session, allow yourself an opportunity to notice how you're feeling about the environment and the therapist. This is your time to see if the therapist is the right "fit" for you. If you don't feel comfortable, let the therapist know. They are trained to process your feelings with you and together, you may determine the "fit" isn't right. There's nothing wrong with this. Finding the right "fit" is the most important dynamic of the counseling relationship. Give yourself the opportunity to find your "fit." You'll know when it's right for you.

Counselor, Social Worker, Psychologist...What's the Difference?

People have told me that they never know whether to call me "Dr. Blackley," Ms. Blackley or Jodi. Let me clarify how to distinguish the different degrees in the mental health field.

A social worker will have a Master's degree in Social Work and have a License in Clinical Social Work. Unless they sought out a Doctoral degree beyond their Master's, you would not call them a "Doctor."

A therapist will have a Master's degree in Counseling or Clinical Psychology and have a License in Marriage and Family Therapy. Unless they sought out a Doctoral degree beyond their Master's, you would not call them a "Doctor." For this reason, addressing me as Jodi is more than appropriate. If this feels too informal for you, Ms. Blackley is fine as well.

A psychologist has earned a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) or a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.). You may call a psychologist a "Doctor" as they have earned the appropriate degree.

A psychiatrist is a doctor of medicine (M.D.). Like a general practitioner or a cardiologist, a psychiatrist has also gone through medical school, residency and has earned the appropriate degrees to be called a "Doctor."

Hopefully this will help clarify when to call a mental health practitioner a "Doctor" or not. As for me, please feel free to call me Jodi.

If you have questions about this or any other blog, Please feel to leave comments. I'll be happy to respond.