Making the step to get therapy is a big one. You’ve noticed you need help with your addiction, grief, depression, or maybe you just want to unlock your full potential as a person.
You’ve researched therapists and picked one that makes you feel comfortable.
You’ve made an appointment. It’s on the calendar.
Now the date is approaching and you feel this ball of anxiety building up in your stomach.
We are here to put you at ease.
Your First Appointment
Although each therapist has their own way of doing things, there are common threads that all usually follow.
Some Small Chat
In your first appointment, you can expect a cordial, general chat before you jump into the big stuff. The therapist will ask you how your day is going, if you found the place okay, if you’d like some water, and ask you to take a comfortable seat.
What Brought You In
After the initial small chat, the therapist will go over what has brought you in. Here they are filling in any gaps they may need to fill after reading your initial paperwork or going over their notes from their consultation with you. Some of you may be thinking, “where do I start?!”. You may have a lot or a little to talk about and are not sure what to say.
You can start with what made you make your appointment, what sparked you into action. From there, the therapist will guide the conversation with their own questions.
General Life Information
Here the therapist will just want to get a full picture of your life. Your goals, your relationships, where you work, physical health, etc. Something you may deem unimportant may very well be important to your therapy.
Make a Plan
You will set goals with your therapist and discuss how often you’d like to make an appointment.
Ask Your Therapist
At the end of your appointment, feel free to ask the therapist what their approach will be, what is their process, how will they determine progress, and any other questions that may be on your mind. This is about you.
Still feeling nervous?
Remember that therapy is 100% confidential. Unless there is potential harm to yourself or someone else, you can rest easy knowing the code of ethics has your back.
Anything I should do to prepare for my appointment?
The best thing you can do before your appointment is self-reflect.
Figure out what was the turning point that made you make your first therapy appointment. How did you know you wanted to go to therapy? Why at this point in your life?
In addition, think about what you want out of therapy? Not only that, what do you want out of life? What are your biggest aspirations? What keeps you from achieving them?
If you look forward 10 years into the future, what do you hope life looks like?
Self-reflecting on yourself before your appointment will go a long way in easing any anxiety you have for it and allow you to make the most out of your appointment.
Is there a difference between face-to-face and virtual therapy?
Online therapy is still very new, however, several studies have found the benefits to be equivalent.
Online therapy is a great place to start if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, and stress. If you are facing more severe issues, experts advise face-to-face therapy.
Remember, therapy is hard work. But hard work pays off. You are taking the step in the right direction. Most patients feel a weight lift off them in their first few sessions. I hope you feel it too!
Interested in therapy?