What Happens During the First Session of Therapy
Be Prepared for the Beginning the Counseling Process
Mar 30, 2009
Whether you are seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist, a social worker or a pastoral counselor, psychotherapy involves a fairly straightforward first session shared between most schools of counseling theory.
It's perfectly normal to be quite nervous when you enter into the helping relationship of working with a therapist. The experience of therapy is becoming more and more common, however some stigma and marginalization of the process still exist.
The old axiom - if you were seeing a therapist, there must be something terribly wrong with you or your life - is being replaced. Today, more people see therapy as a tool to improve their lives or to deal with specific challenges in your life.
What Happens Before You Meet Your Therapist
It is likely you have made contact with your chosen psychotherapist or a member of their staff. You have probably given your name and personal contact information, made the appointment and may or may not have asked to answer a few questions about why you are seeking help.
When you arrive for the appointment, the therapist will have reviewed your information and be ready to greet you at the appointed time. Be sure you arrive on time for the appointment. Your therapist has reserved the hour for you and you alone.
Unlike visiting a physician, the goal of your therapist is not to diagnose and treat you as quickly as possible. Rather, they have reserved the hour to begin the helping relationship. If you arrive late, you will loose part of that hour.
Beginning the First Session
Many therapists, even very successful therapist, have no front office staff. However, there will be instructions should you arrive early advising you of what to do until your appointment time. However, you should be greeted at the time of your appointment.
When you arrive in the session room, you will likely find comfortable furniture set-up for two people to have a conversation. No exam table and no one behind a desk, but rather a couch and a couple of chairs much like your living room. Select a comfortable place to sit and don't worry, there is no evaluation about which chair you choose!
During the first hour, several items will be addressed and different therapist approach these in different ways. Just be aware of these common elements:
- A review of your personal information and insurance issues, if any;
- Establishing and understanding the cost of therapy;
- The therapist should explain their approach to counseling and how they believe they can be helpful to you;
- A basic discussion of the general problem or challenge bringing you to seek help, and;
- A discussion of confidentiality. Be aware there are a few conditions in which a therapists will have to disclose information. If the therapist does not point them out, ask about them.
There are a few questions you definitely ask your therapist. Remember, you are here for you and you deserve to know the answers to these questions. Avoid therapists unwilling to discuss them or can't answer these questions.
Ask questions like the following:
- What approach to counseling will you take?
- Do you understand the problem I am having?
- How many sessions do you believe we will need to work together?
- What are your degrees and qualifications? How long have your provided therapy services?
- Ask about any other concerns you may have, regardless of how off topic the questions seems to be.
Entering into therapy will begin you on a path to resolve the pain, event or life challenge which has led you into the therapist's office. Remember, not only are you a client, you are a consumer.
You have the right to see different therapists until you find a therapist you feel comfortable working with and feel as if you can trust. If the first therapist isn't the one, thank them and try a different resource.
Several components of the first session will be common among all therapists. Be prepared to have questions answered and to answer some asked. The key is being prepared enough to feel comfortable during your first session. This will begin the helping relationship on a positive note.
