So, you've made the decision to seek therapy. Now what? Below I will share some ways that you can prepare for your first session. You might not be a newbie to counseling but you may be seeing a new practitioner for the first time. Here are some ways to help you get started.
Be open-minded.
Therapy will provide you with a lot of tools and resources that you may not be sure about trying. Be open-minded and understand that your Therapist will only provide you with things designed to help you throughout your journey.
Do Your Research.
There are a number of ways to find a Therapist who will fit your needs. Utilize sites like Psychology Today to find a therapist in your area who works well with your presenting issues.
Formulate Questions for Your Consultation
Once you’ve found a few helping professionals that you think are a good fit. write down a list of questions that you want to ask your potential Therapist. These questions might better help to understand whether or not the therapeutic relationship will work.
Release Your Inhibitions
Go to your first session with the intent to be vulnerable and open. The more honest you are with your Therapist, the more accurate your collaborative treatment plan will be which will result in more healing and growth opportunities for you.
Consider what you want out of therapy
In your first session, your therapist will likely ask you what your goals are. Instead of trying to come up with goals on the spot, come prepared with what you want to achieve and your Therapist will be able to tell you how they can help.
Manage Your Expectations
Healing does not happen overnight. Give yourself and your Therapist grace by managing your expectations. Understand that the tools and resources that you will learn will be structured and timely and that your first session will not give you some magic key to healing.
