Counseling and Psychological Services of the Upstate

My hope is that the following provides you with some sense of what it would be like to seek counseling at our center.

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The first step is typically a phone conversation. When you call, I will inquire about what prompted you to consider beginning counseling and answer any questions. If it seems from this preliminary discussion that I might be able to help you, we will schedule our initial appointment. You will be asked to complete the intake paperwork before we meet for the initial session.

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The initial assessment (about an hour) is an opportunity to hear in more detail what brings you to counseling as well as for me to acquire a broad overview of your concerns. This includes the symptoms you are experiencing as well as aspects of your history that provide more context.

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The assessment is also a chance to begin establishing a “therapeutic relationship,” which enables each of us to get an idea of what it would be like to work together. Research consistently demonstrates that the most important aspects of treatment is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. 

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Our first meeting will help inform how we proceed. For many people, the next step is identifying treatment goals for treatment. For others, completing an initial assessment is sufficient because they get what they are seeking (e.g., gain insight into their condition, have their questions answered, etc.) or it is decided that what I offer does not fit their needs.