What to Expect at Your First Session
Think of your first session as a learning experience. You are learning about your therapist and he or she is learning about you. Ask questions about what you should expect from therapy and about your therapist’s qualifications.
Remember: attending one session doesn’t mean you have to continue therapy with this therapist.
Come prepared to answer the question, “Why are you coming to therapy?” during your first session. Being able to answer this question helps you and your therapist establish goals for counseling.
How to Request Counseling
It can be intimidating to set up a first appointment with a new therapist. You may have several questions: how does the process work, how long are the sessions, what if I don’t like my therapist, etc. Questions and emotions are normal parts of the process. Our goal is to make your experience as stress-free as possible. The following sections will answer some common questions about counseling.
Before You Contact Us
Be aware that it may take 1 week from the time you request counseling before you meet your therapist for the first time. (If you are currently in a life threatening situation please call 911.)
Make a list of days and times when you could meet with your therapist. Sessions are 45-50 minutes in length and begin on the hour. Decide upon a phone number where you feel comfortable being contacted and decide if there are better times of the day to be contacted. We want to respect your confidentiality.
Requesting Counseling
There are 4 ways to request counseling:
1) Fill out the Counseling Request Form and email it the Counseling Center.
2) Stop by the Counseling Center offices on the 2nd floor of the Scott Academic Center.
3) Call the Counseling Center at (714) 556-3610 ext. 5256
4) Email the Counseling Center at counselingcenter@vanguard.edu
After Contacting Us
Once we receive your information, Vanguard Counseling Center attempts to match your needs with an available therapist.
One of our therapists will call you to discuss potential meeting times. If a meeting time cannot be found, your information will be given to another therapist.
If a meeting time is found, the therapist will schedule an “intake” session. This session will give you information to your rights as a client and lay out plans for your on-going meetings.
Find Out More:
Why Might I Seek Counseling
While You Wait
FAQs
Information for Parents
Self-Help Resources
Counseling Request Form
