Making the first appointment is often the hardest part of counseling. Not knowing what will happen can keep people stuck for months: Will I have to talk about everything right away? Will they push religion on me, or ignore my faith? What if I cry? This guide walks you through what to expect at your first Christian counseling session at Grace Christian Counseling, from the first phone call to the end of your first hour, so you can walk in knowing what is ahead.
Key takeaways
- You can start with a free discovery call, and our care team will match you with a counselor who fits your needs.
- The first session is mostly about getting to know you: what brings you in, your history, and your goals.
- You decide how much to share and how much faith is part of your sessions.
- Our counselors are licensed professionals, so sessions are often covered by insurance.
- It is normal to feel nervous. Feeling a little better just from being heard is common too.
In this article
Before your first session
1. A free discovery call
Not sure which counselor or type of counseling you need? You can book a free discovery call, call 724-863-7223, or text 724-604-5253. Our care team will ask a few questions about what is going on and help match you with the right counselor from our team of licensed, faith-rooted Christian counselors. Want to come prepared? Here are questions to ask a Christian counselor before you begin.
2. Insurance and scheduling
Because our counselors are licensed, sessions are often billed to insurance like any other outpatient counseling. Our care team can help you check your benefits. Read Is Christian Counseling Covered by Insurance? for the questions to ask your plan.
3. Intake paperwork
You will usually complete forms before your first visit: contact details, a brief history, current concerns, and consent forms that explain confidentiality and its limits. Filling them out honestly helps your counselor use your first hour well.
4. In person or online
You can meet at one of our Western Pennsylvania offices or online from home. For online sessions, choose a private spot with a good connection.
What happens during the first session
Your first appointment is often called an intake or assessment session. It is a conversation, not a test. Most first sessions include:
Getting to know youWhat brings you in now, how long it has been going on, and how it affects your daily life.
Your backgroundFamily, relationships, work or school, health, past counseling, and any history of trauma or loss, shared at your pace.
Your faithHow important faith is to you and how you would like it included. Some clients want prayer and Scripture in sessions; others prefer it in the background.
SafetyYour counselor will ask about sleep, substance use, and thoughts of self-harm. These are routine questions asked of everyone.
Your goalsWhat you want to be different. Goals can be as simple as “sleep through the night” or “argue less with my spouse.”
Next stepsA rough plan, how often to meet, and room for your questions.
You set the pace. You do not have to share everything in the first session. It is okay to say, “I am not ready to talk about that yet.”
How faith fits into Christian counseling
At Grace Christian Counseling, faith and clinical care work together. Our counselors use evidence-based approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care, and integrate biblical truth in a way that respects where you are. Prayer, Scripture, and spiritual questions are welcome, never forced. To learn more, see the difference between Christian counseling and general counseling.
“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellers they are established.”
Proverbs 15:22 (KJV)
How you might feel afterward
Many people feel lighter after a first session, simply from being heard. Others feel tired or stirred up, especially if they talked about painful memories. Both are normal. Plan something calm afterward if you can. It often takes a few sessions to feel fully comfortable with a counselor. If, after a few sessions, the fit does not feel right, tell your counselor or our care team. Finding the right match matters, and no one will be offended. For signs that counseling is helping, read How to Know If Therapy Is Working.
Ready to take the first step?
Licensed Christian counselors, in person across Western PA and online in PA, WV, GA, and FL.
How to prepare: a simple checklist
- Write down what is bothering you most and when it started.
- Note any questions about cost, schedule, or how faith is used.
- Bring a list of current medications and the names of other providers.
- For couples or family sessions, agree beforehand that everyone gets to speak.
- Arrive a few minutes early, or log in early for an online session.
- Pray, if that helps you, and give yourself credit for showing up.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at the first Christian counseling session?
Your counselor gets to know you: what brings you in, your background, how you would like faith included, safety questions, and your goals. You end with a rough plan for next steps.
How long is the first counseling session?
A first session typically lasts about 50 to 60 minutes. Ask our care team about the length of your appointment when you schedule.
Do I have to talk about my faith?
No. You decide how much faith is part of your counseling. Our counselors welcome prayer and Scripture when you want it and never force it.
Is Christian counseling confidential?
Yes. What you share is kept confidential, with a few legal exceptions, such as a risk of serious harm to yourself or others, which your counselor will explain at the start.
How do I book a first session at Grace Christian Counseling?
Book a free discovery call online, call 724-863-7223, or text 724-604-5253. Our care team will match you with a counselor and help with insurance questions.
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