Congratulations! You've booked your first psychotherapy session.
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming for many people, but it's a positive step towards better mental health. On your first day of therapy, you will typically meet your therapist and have an initial session where they'll ask you questions to get to know you better. This could include discussing your reasons for seeking therapy, your goals, and medical history. Your therapist will also explain their approach and what you can expect from future sessions.
While a good experience in therapy is not always guaranteed, most people report positive results. And there are steps that you can take to increase the likelihood of good outcomes. Remember: psychotherapy is a collaborative process, and your mental health service provider will always consider your voice in making the session work for your needs.
Consider the following tips:
1. Reflect on Your Goals: Think about what you want to achieve from therapy. Consider what issues you want to address or explore during your sessions.
2. Be Open-Minded: Approach the session with an open mind and willingness to share. Remember that therapy is a safe space for you to express yourself.
3. Ask Questions: Feel free to ask questions about what to expect, your therapist's background and expertise, their approach, and other pertinent concerns that will make you feel aligned with the process.
4. Arrive Early: If your session is in person, try to arrive a bit early to fill out any necessary paperwork and get settled in.
6. Be Honest: Be honest and open with your therapist about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Honesty is key to making progress in therapy.
7. Manage Expectations: Remember that therapy is a process, and it may take time to see significant changes. Be patient with yourself and the process.
8. Give Feedback: If you feel that your therapist is not aligned with your goals, is coming across as invalidating, or that the therapy direction is not what you have in mind, let them know. Often times these are not intentional, and the feedback will help your therapist re-calibrate their approach.
By taking these steps, you can set yourself up for a successful first therapy session. Good luck!
Would you like to book a therapy session with CPPS? We now have online and onsite sessions available. To book a schedule, message kumusta@childfampossibilities.com.