What to Expect at Your First Appointment

Starting counseling can feel like a big step, and we want to help you know what to expect before your first visit to the Manzanita Counseling Center.

Before Your Appointment

After you are scheduled for your first session, you will receive access to TherapyNotes, our secure electronic health records system. CHECK YOUR SPAM/JUNK MAIL/CLUTTER! 

Through TherapyNotes, you will be asked to:

  • Sign in to the client portal
  • Review and sign the informed consent form
  • Complete initial intake paperwork and other required documentation

We ask that you complete these forms before arriving for your appointment. Completing this information ahead of time helps ensure that your counselor can focus your first session on getting to know you and understanding what brings you to counseling.

During Your First Session

Your first appointment will last 50 minutes and will be focused on an initial intake conversation with your counselor. During this session, your counselor may ask questions about:

  • What brings you to counseling
  • Your current concerns or challenges
  • Important background information about your life
  • Your goals for counseling

This conversation helps your counselor understand your experiences and work with you to begin identifying ways counseling can support you.

Consent and Confidentiality

During the intake process, you will review the consent documentation that explains important information about counseling services at Manzanita, including confidentiality and the structure of our training clinic.

Because Manzanita is a counselor training facility, sessions are videotaped for supervision and training purposes only. These recordings are used by faculty supervisors to help counselors-in-training receive feedback and provide the best possible care. Your consent for this process is included in the intake paperwork.

A Collaborative Process

Your first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and begin building a connection with your counselor. Counseling is a collaborative process, and together you and your counselor will work toward understanding your concerns and identifying goals for your time in counseling.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Manzanita Counseling Center and supporting you in this process.