Your First Counseling Session: Here's What to Expect

By Karli McClure, LSW

You’ve found the right therapist to start therapy with. Now it’s time to schedule your first therapy session. Good news! The challenge of finding a therapist is over. So, now it’s time to get acquainted. 

The First Step of Counseling is the Intake

The first counseling session is called, “intake” as this is a time for your therapist to ask assorted questions about your past, present, and hopes for the future. This is important: don’t feel nervous or feel like your therapist is judging you. These questions are meant to help your therapists develop a relationship with you and a recommendation for counseling. 

Your therapist will ask questions about your family's history with mental health, symptoms you are currently having or have had previously, history of past traumas, and what brings you to therapy today. Although it would be impossible for your therapist to learn all there is about you in an hour, this will at least give them a starting point on things you two will begin to work on. Essentially, this session is for the therapist to gather a whole and accurate picture of you. 

Be Vulnerable & Build A Partnership

The therapist isn’t the only person who asks questions during this session. You’re allowed to ask them too. In fact, at WellMinded Counseling, I encourage my clients to ask me anything they want. I find that it is much easier to be open and honest with someone when they are open and honest with you.

Always remember: therapy is a partnership.  If you find that your therapist is not a good fit, it is always okay to try to find a new one. Therapy is all about supporting and empowering you as the client. I challenge you to be as vulnerable as you can with your therapist because that is when real progress can be made. 

Setting Your Goals With Your Tampa Therapist

All therapists conduct intakes their own way, but typically at some point in the session, your therapist will ask what goals you have for therapy. This question tends to be the most challenging part of the session for some. Your goals should be specific, measurable, and obtainable. What do you hope to gain from therapy? What would you do if your anxiety was not getting in the way of your everyday life? These goals are going to help your therapist support you in the ways you need. 

Therapy can be scary, challenging, and uncomfortable and at the same time, it is life-changing, beautiful, and exciting. Growth and change do not happen after one session. However, each session is a step closer to obtaining your therapy goals. Be kind to yourself through this process and trust that your therapist is leading you in the right direction toward the person you want to be. 

Start Counseling in Tampa, FL or Boulder, CO

Take the next step towards your journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Schedule your first therapy session now and unlock the transformative power of counseling. Remember, the intake session is just the beginning—a chance for your Tampa therapist to understand your unique story and create a tailored plan to support you. Embrace vulnerability and build a partnership with your therapist, where honesty and openness lead to breakthroughs. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek a therapist who truly resonates with you. Together in counseling, we will set achievable goals that pave the way for positive change. Embrace the challenges, embrace the beauty, and embrace the excitement of this life-changing process. Take the leap and embark on a path toward becoming the best version of yourself.

1. Reach out for a free consultation

2. Schedule your first appointment at WellMinded Counseling

3. Embark on a path toward becoming the best version of yourself

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES We Offer in Colorado & Florida

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

Ways to Care For Your Mental Health

By: Amber Cherrette

Along with attending Therapy for young adults, there are many ways that you can take care of and improve your mental health.

There are different categories of care that are important to consider that can all have a large impact on your mental well-being day to day. How well your physical needs, social needs, mental needs, and spiritual needs are being met will play a role in the picture of your overall mental health.

Caring for your mental health by fulfilling these needs will look different for each and every person. One person may feel their social need is met by spending time with a large group of friends,  while another may get this need met by connecting with a family member over a video call. While engaging in these activities, it is important to check in with yourself to see if the specific activity was fulfilling for you, because even though you might hear others feel positive after going for a run, a yoga class might better suit your need for physical movement.

Different Ways, Besides Therapy for young adults, to Care For Your Mental Health Based On Your Needs

Below are examples of ways in which to care for your overall mental well-being within each of these categories.  

Social Needs 

• Volunteering at a cause that is important to you 

• Reaching out for connection or support during a rough time 

• Establishing healthy boundaries  

• Spending time with people you enjoy 

• Checking in with friends or relatives who live at a distance 

• Joining a support group or club that fits your interests 

Mental Needs 

• Taking a break from the internet/social media 

• Journaling 

• Writing a to-do list 

• Reading a book that interests you 

• Learning a new skill or language 

Spiritual Needs 

• Meditating  

• Spending time in nature 

• Identifying what you value and what you find meaningful 

• Attending a place of worship 

It is important to be mindful of these aspects and how they impact your mental health personally, remembering, there is no one way to care for your mental health.  Incorporating some of these activities slowly will help them to become habits in the long term. Maybe one week you try yoga a few evenings and feel more positive afterward,  and then another week you drink more water and have more energy, and another you take a social media break. The impact can grow over time as you add in ways to meet each need. Engaging in caring for these different needs can be a wonderful compliment to your work in counseling.

Start Therapy for Young Adults & Support your mental health in Tampa, fl

It's time to take charge of your mental health and embark on a journey of growth and wellness. With our team of compassionate and experienced therapists, you'll find a safe space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and challenges.

Take the first steps towards a healthier, happier you by:

1. Reaching out to WellMinded Counseling today

2. Schedule your first appointment for therapy for young adults

3. Start supporting your mental health in a way that meets your needs

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

How to Find the Best Therapist for You in Florida & Colorado

By: Malhia Best

When it comes time to choose the right therapist the process can seem overwhelming. 

There are a variety of options to look for a therapist that fits your mental and emotional health while supporting your needs through your therapy journey. 

“Your job is to find somebody who maps onto the concerns you have, somebody you feel comfortable with, and somebody who you believe will be helpful and supportive to you,” says Lynn Bufka, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist and associate chief of practice transformation at the American Psychological Association (APA)

One of the first steps in the therapeutic process is researching to find a therapist 

As there are many therapists in each state and city and it can be difficult to interview each therapist, narrowing down which therapist would be a good fit for you is to decide what is important for you. For example in-person therapy vs online therapy, cost of therapy, or populations the therapist specializes in. 

Different types of mental health professionals might focus on different processes in the progression of your mental illness and walk you through different treatments. As there are various types of health professionals that include, professional therapists, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and so on. 

The next step after choosing a Therapist is to have a consultation

A consultation with a therapist allows for you to essentially interview with the professional in order to see if going forward would be a good fit for you. 

Some questions you might ask a therapist: 

-Do you have a supportive or directive approach to therapy? 

-What do therapy sessions look like? 

- Tell me about your therapy approach? 

Lastly is building rapport with your mental health professional 

After choosing the therapist you would like to work with you’ll build a schedule with the therapist on when to regularly see them. 

As the therapeutic process begins it may feel uncomfortable to discuss intimate and vulnerable feelings with someone new. It is important to choose a therapist with that you feel comfortable and feel open to discussion as you go through the therapeutic journey. 

Source: Everyday Health 

Start Therapy With A Therapist That Is The Right Fit For You In Colorado or Florida

At WellMinded Counseling we understand the importance of finding the right therapist for your needs so that you have a successful and healing therapeutic journey. Whether you are in Colorado or Florida our counselors can provide you with therapy that is tailored to you. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Schedule a free consultation to get to know our therapists

2. If we are the right fit schedule your first appointment

3. Start working on your mental health and wellness

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

How does Group Therapy Work?

By: Katie Veraldi

Many people when seeking therapy often associate it with one-on-one counseling or couples therapy, but one type of therapy that often gets overlooked is group therapy.

There is sometimes a thought that groups only happen in a treatment setting or perhaps a support group like AA is what comes to mind when someone thinks of groups. The truth is that there is a great variety of groups in many settings. When you Google “therapy groups near me," Psychology Today will probably give a long list of different practices, community mental health centers, or treatment facilities that all offer different types of groups. This can be very daunting and through this article hopefully, there will be some clarity.  

The Phrases You May Hear 

When you start looking for groups it can feel overwhelming to hear some of the phrases or acronyms used to describe a particular group. Here are some common phrases and acronyms that may be helpful as you look at groups: 

• Open Group: An open group allows members to attend sessions when they would like and there is not an attendance requirement for the most part, an example would be an AA group meeting. 

• Closed Group: This group has more rules regarding attendance and structure compared to an open group. This type of group has people commit to the length of the group and the time and it is important that everyone do their best to always make every meeting, an example would be a DBT group for anxiety. 

• Support Group: Support groups can be open or closed, often these meetings are held for people to get exactly what the title says, support. Sometimes there are more specific areas of support such as grief or it can be more general, an example was WellMinded’s women’s support group. 

• Creative Therapy Groups: Just like traditional talk therapy doesn’t always work for everyone, traditional group therapy also may not feel like a fit for everyone. Creative therapy groups can utilize a lot of different strategies such as improv to help with anxiety, nature to help with depression and attachment, art and dance therapy to help with trauma  

Common Questions and Concerns About Group 

It is not uncommon for people to never try group therapy especially if it feels like a looming shadow that is not talked about a lot. Even therapists often feel nervous to do group therapy. It is after all, not just you and the therapist, or you and a partner or family member in some cases, it is many different people. Part of starting a group and joining is to practice being okay with the anxiety, you will not be alone in that. Most everyone is nervous a bit and probably excited and hopeful when they first start out in a group. 

• What about the size of the group?  

• Like so many answers in life, it depends. There are general truths though as far group size goes. Often closed groups will range between 8-10 people and these will consistently be the same people each week. Open groups have a range of sizes; some meetings have 3 people, others, have over 15 depending on the nature of the group. Size may also affect the number of group leaders in a session as well. It is typical to have one group leader who stays in that role consistently but depending on location this can change. Other groups that are more peer-led do not have a group leader such as Al-Anon. 

• How do I know if I should do a group? 

• If you are not currently working with an individual therapist and you found a group on a therapy practice website the best way to get going with a group is to contact that practice. Sometimes practices want you to be sessing one of their individual therapists, others don’t do this. If you are currently working with an individual therapist, talk with them about it! Your therapist can help look for groups with you or make referrals if needed. Your therapist’s particle may have a group already in it, and they can help refer you to the person running the group at the practice you already go to.  

• Once you have decided where you want to do your group, you may be asked to do a brief pre-group screening. In this pre-screen often the therapist is talking to you about what makes you want to do group, what your schedule is like, how you feel about group settings, have you done group before, and of course leave time for you to ask questions.  

• Does insurance pay for this?  

• Unfortunately, it’s another classic “it depends” answer. Some groups are covered by insurance and others aren’t. In general, a group that may be focusing on a very specific topic such as eating disorders will be covered more easily by insurance than a general support group. Oftentimes payment plans can be made, some places have group therapy scholarships or sliding scales. If you want to try a group, do not let cost be the factor that stops you, ask and see if there are options.   

• What to expect in the first group? 

• Often the first group meeting is getting attendance, sometimes it includes establishing collaborative group rules and goals. Often there will be some ways to break the ice, hopefully not too cheesy but sometimes the name game works. Expect to feel a mix of emotions, some people feel anxious, some feel excited, some feel hopeful, and others neutral, try your best to be present with them as you process in a group. 

So, Why Do Groups? 

Many people report that groups are often a key factor in their personal journey when they do them. A large part of that is the sense of community you build when you are in a group. When you join you know that this is a group of people who are dealing with the same things you are and it is helpful to hear how someone else is processing it and it is powerful to be able to offer support to others. Groups often mimic other group-like situations in your day-to-day life and people report feeling like having done a group sometimes helps them conquer the aspects that were hard about everyday groups before. Group therapy is a unique experience not everyone gets to try, and when it is done people often report it is due to that uniqueness that they have gained new insight into their lives. 

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT WELLMINDED COUNSELING

Therapy for depression isn’t the only service we offer. WellMinded Counseling offers the following counseling services:

• Substance Abuse Counseling

• EMDR

• Couples Therapy

• Relationship Counseling

• Depression Treatment

• Trauma Treatment

• Teen therapy

• Self-Esteem Counseling

Tampa Therapy: How It Can Help You Enjoy Living in The City

Our 40s and 50s are ever-changing times in our lives. Our children are growing up. Some are heading to college, and some are getting married. Some have little ones that are entering the world of after-school activities, programs, and sports. Tampa Therapy can help you cope with that.

Here in Tampa, I am sure all of Florida, sports are ALL year round. I grew up in the north, a cold and snowy country. We had seasons; football in the fall, hockey, and basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring.  Not here - you have spring, summer, fall, and winter leagues in EVERYTHING.  It feels like an endless cycle. 

Family in Florida

For those with children close to graduating, the pressure and challenges of getting into our local colleges and universities are getting harder and harder each year.  Some families look outside of Tampa, outside of the state, for college, and that comes with a higher price tag.

With all of that in our immediate families, we have our parents, who are now getting older as well. With age comes more medical concerns, medicare programs, social security benefits, and now limited income. We ask ourselves, did they save enough?  Do they need my help financially?  

We make those reflections within ourselves too!

We ask ourselves, too  - are we secure in our jobs?  Finding a new job in our 50s is harder than it was in our 20s.  Are you satisfied with the income and the flexibility?

So those of us in our middle age have a lot going on in our own families, but now let’s talk about our parents.  We see things changing and now need to start parenting, guiding, and helping our own parents and learn about all the new aspects of being 60, 70, and 80.  Tampa has wonderful medical services, but where do you go? Which doctor do you trust? Baycare? Advent? Moffitt? 

How far are you willing to drive? Is your work flexible and allows you to? Are they in the network with their insurance?   Are they able, or should they be driving?  That is a difficult conversation, as are many others.  

Relationships in Tampa, FL

For couples, one set of parents may live here, but another may be in another state - how do you travel and provide care when one or more are far away?  Do you relocate them so they are closer? Is your sibling doing more work?  How can you better help?

how Tampa therapy can help!

No wonder we feel exhausted, confused, and overwhelmed.  We want to be carefree and go out with our spouse or friends, attend all the sporting and theater events here in Tampa or have a mini vacation in Clearwater or Anna Maria Island, or head to Orlando for the weekend.

But we have so much to do, work, household chores, we have our kid’s sports or activities, we have to serve as taxi drivers for our teens, go grocery shopping for our parents, or we have to do upkeep on our own homes that have been set aside way too long. 

Is there a way for us to balance and manage the stressors?

So how do you cope?  How to manage these new roles while maintaining a full-time job and maintaining a household? Balance the sports and activities, shop, and send one off to college? Or even plan a wedding? 

Therapy in Tampa, FL can help. Learn how to balance all aspects of your life without becoming overwhelmed or losing site of your own life, and your own goals.  We want to be everything to everyone, but it is hard.  But these times can be fun and exciting, and we need to learn how to embrace all the roles and balance the new responsibilities.

Tampa Therapy May Be Just What You Need!

You don’t have to deal with this alone. As you grow throughout the years, new stressors come up. Don’t feel like you have to manage it all alone. Getting set up with a therapist in Tampa, FL at WellMinded Counseling is as easy as following these steps:

1. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our office

2. Get set up with one of our therapists in Tampa

3. Gain support from WellMinded Counseling Center

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED BY WELLMINDED COUNSELING CENTER

With over a decade of experience, our therapists in Tampa, FL are able to address a wide range of mental health concerns with clients of all ages. The WellMinded Counseling Center offers the following services: Anxiety therapy, depression treatment, Substance Abuse Support Group, Relationship Therapy, Eating Disorder Treatment: Anorexia Treatment, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Affordable therapy options, Self-Esteem Therapy, EMDR Therapy, groups, and more!