Sally White 
People who have trauma tend to suffer physically, mentally, and emotionally, which hinders their way of life. But rather than let their trauma get the better of them, some people opt to tackle it head-on through trauma counseling. This is crucial to achieving, healing, improving one’s overall well-being, as well as learning strategies for success. As simple as this may be, it’s still a huge step, and the mere thought of it can overwhelm many. We’re here to assure you that it’s perfectly normal to feel that way, and if you’re gearing up for your first session, then this article will brief you on what to expect in your first trauma counseling session.
What is trauma counseling?
Trauma counseling is a form of therapy wherein the patient is guided by a counselor who helps them process and manage the impact of experiencing a traumatic event. Through trauma counseling, they can develop healthy coping mechanisms and learn to regulate their emotions to help them move forward in life.
What can I expect during my first trauma counseling session?
Trauma counseling sessions are pretty much like doctors’ and dental appointments—only they’re much more intimate and accommodating. Like other clinics, they will first gather information about you to make an assessment and create a safe space for you. They won’t force you to do anything intense or out of your comfort zone, and it’s really more of a get-to-know-you setting; hence, you can expect the following:
Filling in paperwork. This includes your personal details and basic information, as well as signing consent forms and confidentiality agreements. All these pieces of information are crucial since these will be the foundation of your therapeutic relationship.
Knowing your history. After filling in your personal details, you’ll finally meet with your counselor, who they ask you about why you’re seeking therapy. Be prepared because you will be required to share details about the traumatic event you’ve experienced. But don’t worry, they won’t delve too much into all the details, just enough so they have a general idea of what you’ve been through and what you’re currently going through. This initial session is more of a prologue to your counseling sessions since they’re intent on understanding the general context, how it influences your life, and determining if you have any symptoms.
Setting goals and expectations. During this first session, your counselor will also ask what your goals are for your therapy, like things you want to achieve or if there are any changes you want to make to improve your well-being. By talking about this openly, they can help you create a roadmap for your healing journey. Along with this roadmap, they will also discuss the process, frequency of your sessions, and the kind of therapy they will use. This may be a lot to discuss during the first meeting, but it’s important to remember that you are in control of what you’re willing to share. They will not force you if you’re not comfortable sharing any other information since it’s the counselor’s job to establish trust and create a safe space for you where you can freely open up at your own pace.
