Before You Meet Your Therapist
Starting counseling can bring questions about what to say, how to prepare, and what the first appointment will be like. You don’t need a polished explanation of everything you are experiencing. You can begin with what prompted you to reach out.
Once you have scheduled your first appointment with Stenzel Clinical Services, you will receive a link to our patient portal. Through the portal, you can access intake forms, payment information, and a secure way to contact your therapist.
Please complete your intake forms before your first session. They give your therapist information to review as they begin learning about you and your concerns.
If you haven’t received the portal link or have difficulty accessing your forms, contact us before your appointment. Our Client Portal page is also available for reference.
Check the Details Before Appointment Day
A few practical checks can help you arrive prepared:
- Confirm the appointment: check the date, time, therapist, and whether you are meeting in person or online.
- Check the location: use your appointment confirmation to identify the correct office and suite.
- Review costs: read our fees and insurance information and confirm the details for your therapist.
- Review policies: read our office policies and ask about anything you do not understand.
- Write down questions: bring a short list if you think it will help you remember what you want to discuss.
For an office visit, see the directions and address for Wheaton, Naperville, or Geneva.
For a video appointment, review our online counseling information and follow the joining instructions provided. Choose a private place where you can speak freely, and check your connection and audio beforehand.
Your First Session Is a Starting Point
The first session is an assessment. Your therapist will begin getting to know you, ask about what brings you to counseling, and gather information about your history and current circumstances.
You can explain what has been difficult, how it affects your life, and what you hope might change. If you are unsure where to start, say so. You can also tell your therapist when a question is difficult to answer and ask why that information is relevant.
This is an opportunity for you to ask questions too. You might want to discuss:
- How the therapist works with concerns like yours.
- What future sessions may involve.
- How you will identify goals and review progress.
- Confidentiality and its limits.
- How to communicate between appointments.
You don’t have to resolve every concern in the first conversation. It provides a starting point for discussing your needs and the next steps in care.
Need Help Preparing or Scheduling?
If you haven’t scheduled yet, browse our therapist directory and counseling services to explore your options.
For questions before your first visit, contact Stenzel Clinical Services or call (630) 588-1201. If the appointment is for a child, a couple, or a family, ask who should attend the first session and whether any additional forms are needed.