Most people arrive at a first session braced for something that doesn't happen. They expect to be asked the worst question immediately, or to have to explain their entire life in fifty minutes, or to be quietly assessed and found wanting.
A first session is mostly orientation. Here's the actual shape of it.
You don't have to prepare anything
People sometimes show up with notes, a timeline, a list of symptoms they looked up. That's fine, and it's also unnecessary. A sentence or two about what's going on is plenty to start with. If you can only manage "I don't know, things have been bad," that works.
What I'll ask about
Some history — where you grew up, who's in your life now, what your work and sleep and substance use look like. Some current picture — what's been happening in the last few weeks and what made you reach out now rather than six months ago. And some direction — what you'd want to be different, even vaguely.
That last one matters more than people expect. "I want to stop feeling like this" is a real answer. So is "I want my partner to stop worrying about me." We can work with either.
What I won't do
I won't push you into the hardest material on day one. Trauma work in particular goes badly when it's rushed; there's no prize for getting there fast. I also won't hand you a diagnosis you didn't ask for, or tell you what your substance use means before we've talked about it.
Deciding whether it's a fit
You're evaluating me as much as I'm evaluating the situation. Reasonable things to notice: Did I listen, or wait to talk? Did I understand the thing you were actually saying? Would you be willing to tell me something embarrassing in a month?
If the answer is no, that's useful information and not an insult. Fit matters more than credentials in this work, and I'd rather refer you somewhere better than keep you in a room that isn't helping.
The practical parts
Sessions run 45 to 60 minutes over secure video. Most people start weekly. Paperwork comes to you beforehand so we don't spend the first session on forms.
If you're weighing whether to reach out, the consultation call is free and carries no obligation to book anything.
Kelly Faus, MA, LPC, LAC is an addiction and mental health counselor serving clients throughout Colorado by telehealth. Book a free consultation →