In fact, it all starts from the moment you decide to see a psychologist - this is a very important step. Next, you begin to search for a psychologist in Internet search engines, on social networks, ask your friends, and in various help services. This is the time of choice. You are afraid of “running into” an unprofessional, a person who is extracting money from a client - and this is his main goal. Your fears are completely understandable; there are indeed such “specialists” and no one is immune from this. But, I dare to assure you, the number of professionals in their field is many times greater. The choice of your psychologist can take place in several stages. For example: 1) You see in front of you a photo of a specialist that you like; 2) Read the available information about this psychologist, including education, specialization and reviews of other clients; 3) Call or write a message (the moment of first communication is important for your choice). You agree on the first meeting - time, place and cost. It would seem that you have chosen it. In fact, that's not all. The final decision, as a rule, is made based on the results of the first meeting (each meeting is called a session). First meeting (session) You have arrived at the agreed time with the psychologist at the agreed place. The psychologist meets you, invites you to enter and sit down as you wish. All counseling rooms are equipped with a table, chairs and/or armchairs and a sofa. There is also usually water and napkins on the table (yes, yes, there is such a tradition). The psychologist will ask how to address you, introduce himself, and tell you about the rules and regulations. Then he will invite you to tell us a little about yourself, about what brought you to him. You will begin to tell, and the psychologist will ask questions. This is a certain stage of orientation and decision-making about further counseling. By the end of the session (a session typically lasts 50 minutes once a week), both of you will make a final decision on whether to continue or stop working. It happens that sometimes a psychologist understands that another psychologist can better help you cope with your difficulty and tells you about it. This does not mean that they are refusing you - it only means that the specialization of this specialist lies in another area and it would not be entirely fair not to redirect you to a more knowledgeable psychologist in this area. This is our professional honesty and care for the client! But you also have the right to make a decision - to go to the proposed specialist or choose another. If, as a result of the meeting, you both decided to continue, then an oral contract is concluded between you and the psychologist. What this means is that you agree on a certain number of sessions and work with such and such issues. This is a kind of landmark. The contract may be revised more than once in the future. I wish every client to find their own psychologist! Good luck to you!