Which of the following is the first area in a counseling session?

The first area in a counseling session is the introduction phase, where the counselor establishes rapport with the client. This initial stage includes introducing oneself, outlining the purpose of the session, and discussing confidentiality, which helps create a safe environment for the client to share their financial concerns.

During the introduction, it is important for the counselor to clarify the structure of the session and what the client can expect, which sets a positive tone for the discussion to follow. This phase engages the client and makes them feel comfortable, encouraging open dialogue throughout the remainder of the session.

Other areas, such as information gathering, discussion, and conclusion, come later in the session. Information gathering involves collecting relevant details to understand the client's financial situation better. The discussion focuses on processing this information, while the conclusion wraps up the session with a summary and any next steps. Understanding the role of the introduction is crucial in establishing a productive and supportive counseling experience.