Roy Huggins, MS NCC

Contacting a therapist about the first session can be downright scary. Even I’ve been nervous the last couple of times I did it, and I’m a member of the profession!

What if the counselor isn’t very nice? What if he or she can tell immediately that there’s something wrong with you? What if he or she can’t offer what you need? Furthermore, how do you start the conversation? Do you need to spill your heart out on the phone or over email?

Fortunately, counselors are regular folk who are used to being contacted by potential clients. If you’re not sure what to say or ask, the therapist will usually have some standard questions to ask you. You don’t need to talk about anything you don’t want to, especially when you’re just making contact.

If you have a specific issue or need you’re calling about and the counselor can’t meet that need, he or she should give you a referral if possible. These referrals can be very helpful in your therapist search.

Setting an appointment with me is pretty straightforward. Most people prefer to make a phone call, but email is okay, too. If English is your second language, then email contact might be easiest.

Please remember that e-mail has the same privacy as speaking in a public place.

Setting an Appointment by Phone

My phone number is (503) 839-4825.

Call at whatever time is convenient for you. I’m in my office at many different times of the day, and if I can’t answer the phone, you can leave a message with just your name and phone number. So call whenever you’re ready.

Tell me your first name and say that you’re interested in talking about therapy. When I answer the phone or return your call, I’ll ask some questions about what prompted you to come to therapy, because I want to make sure that I’m able to help you.

If it sounds like we can work together, we’ll set a time for the first appointment. The first one is always no-cost, so we can be sure that we’re a good fit.

If for some reason I can’t help you, I’ll try to find a referral to someone who can. So even if you’re not sure I can help you, please feel free to call and talk to me. I’m happy to point you in a useful direction.

Setting an Appointment by Email

My email address is roy@portland-counseling-therapy.com.

Email lets you think about what you want to say. For some people who speak English as a second language, talking on the phone is difficult, and typing an email is much easier.

Remember that email is not secure. For example, when you send me an email, the message will be on Google’s computers because I use Google to get my email. Google employees probably will not read any of my emails, but I can’t guarantee that. So make sure you don’t say anything that you wouldn’t say while talking to someone in public.

Introduce yourself. You can tell me just your first name if you want. Tell me a little about why you’re looking for a counselor, but remember that talking on email is like talking in public. We can arrange a first appointment via email, or some people use email to arrange a time to talk to me on the phone.

If for some reason I can’t help you, I’ll try to find a referral to someone who can. So even if you’re not sure I can help you, please feel free to send me an email. I’m happy to point you in a useful direction.