If this is your first experience with counseling, you may have questions about what to expect when you come for your first visit.

The unknown may make you feel anxious or worried. We at Karner Care want your counseling experience to be helpful to you, not cause you stress. So, we have provided some information to questions other kids just like you have asked. We hope the answers help you get a better idea of what to expect and help you feel more comfortable when you come to see your counselor. If you have a question that you don’t see here, be sure to ask your counselor for the answer when you meet.

Why do I have to go to counseling?
Sometimes your parents, guardian, teacher or guidance counselor thinks that things may not be going as well for you as they could be. They may think that you are experiencing stress, feeling sad, mad, angry, confused or nervous and is influencing your choices, grades, mood or behavior, which is not good for you or others around you. Counseling is meant to help you figure out what might be going on to cause your feelings or your behavior. Your counselor is there to help you figure it all out so you can take steps to reduce stress, feel happier, less angry or nervous about the people, events and choices you have to make on a day-to-day basis.

I'm going for some testing. What that all about?
Some kids do come for testing. These are not like the tests that you get in school. You can’t fail these tests. Some tests will involve blocks or puzzles, others will ask you questions about what you like and do not like. The tests are designed to help your counselor understand your feelings so they can figure out how best to help you. Other tests help to show why kids are having trouble in certain areas at school so your parents, guardians or teachers can help to make things easier for you.

Usually your parent or guardian comes to the first appointment to talk with the person who will be testing you. Then you will come to two or three more meetings to complete the testing.

Who will I see when I get there?
Some of the counselors (they are also called therapists) are psychologists and some are social workers. The psychologists are called doctors. They are different from the doctor that you see when you are sick or need shots. Don’t worry, these doctors do not give medication or shots! At school you may already know or see your school psychologist or social worker. If you do, tell your new counselor at Karner how you feel about seeing that counselor. They really do want to know what that has been like for you.

At Karner, your counselor may be a psychologist or a social worker. If you are having the testing, however, that will be done by a psychologist.

Will I be seeing a male or female counselor?
You could be assigned to either. If you prefer one over the other, please let your parent or guardian know before you make your first visit so they can request a male or female counselor for you.

Where do I go for the counseling or testing?
You will visit one of our three different offices in Guilderland, Schodack and Clifton Park. You will be meeting your counselor in a small office with chairs where you’ll be able to talk with them one-on-one.

What happens when we get there?
Each office has a waiting room where you wait to meet your new counselor. Because it's your first visit to Karner, your parent or guardian will need to fill out some paperwork. That can take 10 or 15 minutes, but then you will be meeting with your own counselor.

Sometimes there are other kids in the waiting room, sometimes just other adults. Some kids bring a book or a toy to play with while they wait.

Will I see the counselor by myself?
At your first session, usually, your parents or guardians will be there also. Your counselor may ask if you want to meet alone for part or all of the session. Each counseling session lasts between 45 to 50 minutes and usually seems like it goes by fast. Some kids want an adult to be with them, other kids find it easier to talk to their counselor in private. It is important that you tell everyone which you prefer, and you can change your mind for each session, if you want.

Will the counselor tell my parents/guardian everything that I say?
No. There are certain things that a counselor is required by law to share with your parents, but only certain things. If you are concerned about this, it is important that you ask your counselor to explain them to you in your meeting so you can feel comfortable about sharing your thoughts and feelings.

How long will I be in counseling?
That is a decision that you, your family, and your counselor will make. Often kids come in for a session once a week or once every other week. How long that person stays in counseling depends on how long it takes to meet your goals. That means how long it takes for you to feel better or have the behavior that will make you effective and successful in school, at home and in life in general. Sometimes counseling is finished in a few weeks, sometimes it takes longer. The purpose of counseling is to make things better for you and your life. If you come into counseling ready to work with your counselor to make things better, before you know it, you won’t need them any more!

Karner Care, we will work with you to make your counseling experience a good one.

We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to Karner!

return to Top