Considering that many people who decide on therapy are beginners and beginning therapy can be very overwhelming. Regardless of whether you are a person with anxiety disorder, depression, trauma, or someone who simply wants to work on him or herself, the first session sets the tone for the subsequent therapy. Preparation helps to minimize uncertainty, lessen anxiety and bring one on the first step towards enhancing his or her mental health status.
Understand the Purpose of Therapy
Counseling allows the client and the counselor to work freely and with total privacy on feelings, actions, and ideas. Clients of therapists take evidence-based techniques such as Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Understanding that therapy is a mutual process will only make you involve yourself with the treatments that are going on.
Set Clear Goals
Intention may be as basic as coping with stress or working on relationships, through identifying and working through trauma history, to chronic symptoms of mental illness. Moreover, it would be useful to think through your goals when it comes to therapy before the first session. Author your fears and rate them.
• “There is something I can do to in order to reduce the patter?”
• “The last one manifests as: I want to process unresolved grief.”
• “I require ways of helping me raise my self-esteem level.”
Maintaining focus will ensure that your therapist is well informed when choosing a set for the therapy sessions based on your requirements.
Gather Relevant Information
Providing your therapist with background details can streamline the initial assessment:
• Medical and Mental Health History: Add how it has been treated or diagnosed the past, any medication it was on, if any.
• Current Symptoms: Identify when it started – how long it lasts, how often does it occur, and what seems to bring it on – insomnia, anxiety, low mood, etc.
• Lifestyle Factors: It should also contain information regarding sleep-wake rhythm, eating habits/healthful diet, exercise, and alcohol and other drug history.
• Stressors: Include occasions that foresee major changes in one’s life, for instance, divorce, loss or changes in jobs.
Prepare for the Format
It should be kept in mind that normally, therapy sessions take 45-60 minutes’ time in total. During your first appointment, expect the following:
1. Intake Process: The therapist may want to know more about your past experiences, your condition and your ongoing difficulties.
2. Establishing Goals: The two of you will talk as to what the outcomes are which you desire.
3. Therapist’s Approach: They may describe how they work and the goals to accomplish during the therapy sessions.
If you remain in doubt you should not underestimate the power of asking questions. Knowledge of the structuring of therapy enables clients to place their confidence in the process and possibly eliminate fear or anxiety.
Manage Expectations
It is important for the patient to understand that therapy takes time and the process in not possible without effort. While the first session may cause the participants a lot of emotions, it is the beginning of change.
• If you are having concerns or feeling antsy, that is quite all right.
• This means you don’t have to reveal everything right away – take your time and open up when you’re ready.
• A therapeutic relationship is not developed overnight..
Practical Tips
• Attend the session on time or switch on your camera earlier if the meeting is virtual.
• Dress comfortably wishing to have easy to wear clothes on you all through the session.
• Always carry your note book should there be a need to note some points or else ideas that come up during the session.
• Turn off your phone to avoid interruption.
Conclusion
It is very useful to know what to expect when you chose to attend your first therapy session. It is well laid for progress and recovery by knowing why you need therapy, the particular goals you want to achieve, and the expectations therein. Let it be always in your mind that therapy is a great way to improve your lives and your therapist is there for you every step taken.