What Should I Expect At Counseling?
So, you're thinking about talking to someone. Maybe you've been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, angry, sad, burned out, or just not like yourself. You may even be wondering: Would counseling actually help me? And what even happens in therapy, anyway?
If you’re imagining an old-school scene with dim lights, a leather couch, and someone asking you to relive every hard moment of your life, you’re not alone. But the truth is, modern therapy looks very different.
Here’s what you can actually expect!
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE IS EXPERIENCING IMMEDIATE EMOTIONAL DISTRESS OR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, PLEASE CALL THE CRISIS HOTLINE NUMBER FOR THE COUNTY IN WHICH YOU’RE LOCATED.
Allen, Auglaize, and Hardin Counties: 1.800.567.4673
Hancock County: 1.888.936.7116
It Starts With A Conversation
When you walk into your first session (or log in if you’re doing it via Telehealth), the first steps is just getting to know each other. Your counselor will probably ask some questions like:
How have you been feeling?
What brought you in?
What do you hope to get out of this?
There’s no pressure to dive into your deepest thoughts and fears right away, or ever. You set the pace, and the conversations happen when you’re ready.
It’s A Judgement-Free Space
Your counselor isn’t there to diagnose you in five minutes or give you a checklist of things to “fix” yourself. A counselor is there to listen, support, and help you understand what you’re going through. People come to therapy for all kinds of reasons, like stress, trauma, relationship struggles, anger, substance abuse, grief, anxiety, depression, or just needing someone to talk to who isn’t a family member.
Nothing is “too small” or “not bad enough” to bring up. Your goals are your goals, and we’re here to support them.
You Won’t Just Talk, You’ll Work On Things
Yes, you’ll talk about what’s going on, but therapy isn’t just venting. You and your counselor might work on developing your coping skills for stress, set goals for improving your mood or relationships, or find new ways to manage difficult emotions. Sometimes there are worksheets and activities (not like homework, more like tools) for you. Sometimes, it’s just about helping you think differently about something that’s been weighing on you.
You’re In Control
You don’t have to talk about anything you’re not ready to talk about. You can pause, or say “I don’t want to go there right now,” or ask for a different approach. Therapy is not one-size-fits-all, it’s a partnership between you and your counselor.
You’re also welcome to ask questions, too, like:
What kind of therapy do you offer?
How often should we meet?
What happens if I’m not comfortable?
It’s a partnership that works best when you feel safe and heard, and your counselor’s job is to listen and guide you through the process, not pressure you into anything.
It’s Okay To Be Nervous
Starting therapy can feel weird at first, and that’s totally normal. You’re trying something new, and that takes courage. However, many people say that once they begin, they are surprised at how relieving it is to have a space where they can show up exactly as they are, with no filters and no judgment. You know that feeling when you have an itch that you just can’t reach, but then someone scratches it for you? It’s like that.
You don’t need to be in crisis to begin therapy, you don’t need to have a diagnosis, and you don’t need to explain why you’re not “handling it” on your own. Life is hard, and talking to someone trained to help can make a real difference.
Family Resource Center offers several services to help:
TREATMENT SERVICES
INDIVIDUAL OUTPATIENT SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Outpatient services are one-on-one counseling sessions delivered by providers with strong credentials and clinical expertise in all areas of behavioral health. Behavioral health counseling and therapy services consist of a series of time-limited, structured sessions that work towards reaching your defined goals.
PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES (ALL AGES) – We provide psychiatric/medical intervention and Medication Management to reduce and/or eliminate psychiatric symptoms with the goal of improved functioning, including management and reduction of symptoms.
GROUP SERVICES (ALL AGES) – Our agency provides a variety of groups for youth or adults to participate in. These groups are lead by counselors as well as peers. Peer support services are led by individuals who have experienced a mental health and/or substance use disorder and are actively in recovery. To find a group session that is right for you, reach out to our call center and connect with a counselor to discuss options with you.
RECOVERY
Our organization believes that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. We are about helping people find their path forward and seeing life through a hopeful lens. When you are ready to take the next step towards recovery please reach out to our call center to find the best fit of services for your individual needs.
3 ways to enroll in counseling
ONLINE SCREENING
Answer a few short questions to determine if you or someone you care about should connect with a behavioral health professional. This screening is completely anonymous and confidential.
OPEN ACCESS HOURS
We have services available at in-person sites in four different Ohio counties, including Allen, Auglaize, Hancock, and Hardin
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
To get connected with a counselor and enroll in services please call our call-center. They will walk you through the enrollment process and connect you with the right services and counselors.