This is mostly about the natural vibe between the two of you, a so-called “therapeutic chemistry”. In other words, from your end, we are looking for that feeling of “okay, I'm in the right place,” and from the psychologist's side, “okay, I will be able to help.”

Another goal of the first meeting is for the psychologist to walk you through how the counseling process works, so you can make an agreement. What is psychological counseling anyway? What can you expect from it? What is the theoretical and practical framework the specialist works with? Does this framework fit your specific concerns? What are the responsibilities of the psychologist, and what are yours? How do payment, invoicing, cancellation, and rescheduling work? What platform will you use to communicate between sessions if needed? Will you use informal or formal language with each other?

The foundations of any successful cooperation need to be laid down, and psychological counseling is no different – this is how we make our therapeutic agreement. Many do this verbally, but in some offices, you might also find written contracts. This keeps both of you safe, as both you and your psychologist have duties to fulfill so that you can work together within a fair, professional counseling relationship. It’s very important that you know where and to whom you have come, so you can decide based on your feelings whether you will be in the right place, and based on the concrete facts, whether your chosen psychologist’s style and way of working suit you and your situation.

Usually, this session is also about the client as a person – for example, what your therapeutic history is, what kind of support you have sought in the past, what the outcomes were, and why you decided to seek help now, and so on. By sharing these, you help your psychologist get a picture of you, which allows them to decide if they can and want to work with you, and if there are any ethical or personal barriers to starting the journey together.

Keep in mind, you have about 50 minutes for everything, so don't expect to share your whole story and get an immediate answer or solution in this very first session. Be patient, stay curious, keep an open mind, and always look out for that first little spark of trust. If it's there, believe us, you will have plenty of time ahead to untangle your thoughts and situation together!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a session with a private psychologist cost?

Prices in our office vary depending on the specialist, but a 50-minute session typically costs between HUF 18,000 and HUF 22,000.

Do I need to bring any paperwork or test results to the first psychology session?

You don't need to prepare anything, but if you have been to therapy before or have medical reports from a specialist, it's worth mentioning them.

How often do I need to see a psychologist?

Most processes work best on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Meeting less often can break the flow of the inner work, while meeting more frequently doesn't leave enough time to process and digest the experience.

Who will invoice the psychological service and how can I pay?

The invoice is issued by your specialist at the end of every session. You can discuss during your first meeting whether you prefer to pay by cash or bank transfer.