Consulting with a psychologist is a rather exciting event, especially if it is your first time. And I want to assure you that for a psychologist too. But, if you know what to expect, then the level of excitement decreases. Therefore, I will try to describe the so-called consultation algorithm in order to reduce your level of anxiety about this and, perhaps, this will help you better formulate your request, as well as be more open during the consultation itself. Even before the meeting, the psychologist must send you informed consent - a document that allows you to regulate the rules of interaction with your psychologist, which will stipulate the terms of confidentiality, payment procedures, rules of communication outside of appointments, etc. So, you are in front of a psychologist. Of course, first the psychologist will introduce himself and ask you how it would be more convenient to contact you. Then he will ask what exactly brought you, what the problem was. Next there will be a clarification of the problem, with additional questions, such as when the problem appeared, its impact on different areas of life, on relationships with others. Special attention should be paid to your feelings and experiences. Next, the psychologist will make a summary and try to clarify the problem as he saw it, discuss it with you, how much it resonates with you, what thoughts, feelings or even insights you get from this. In the end meeting, the psychologist will discuss with you the consultation, what it gave you, what thoughts, feelings, conclusions. What did you learn today that you were missing before? He will discuss the continuation of work with you and give you homework, if required. As a rule, the consultation lasts 50-60 minutes, and is repeated once a week (sometimes more often). As a result of the meeting with the psychologist, if everything went well, you feel understood ; want to continue working with this specialist; have an idea of ​​the purpose of the work; understand what happens during the meeting; trust the psychologist; you don’t have any difficulties asking or saying something. In turn, after the meeting, the psychologist should understand whether he will work with you/can help you; understands your problem and what to do about it; or redirects you to another specialist. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable during the session, you can always interrupt it. A psychologist is a person just like you, and it is completely normal that you may not like him; in this case, you need to change the specialist, and not make the mistaken conclusion that psychology will not help you. I wish you to find your own specialist who will understand you and can help you!