Engaging in therapy, particularly when it’s for the first time, can leave us feeling out of our depth. You may feel unsure of what to expect, what to bring, or what to say. The following guide will explore what to expect at each stage of the intake process to assist you in having a pleasant and constructive first session.
Before the Session
Some people experience difficulties recalling information or expressing their thoughts when feeling nervous, so you may find it helpful to bring notes. A list of your symptoms or concerns, recent experiences, recurring thoughts, or any other reasons that may have led to you seeking therapy can be written down. Before this session you may also want to consider what your goal of therapy is. Therapy goals are a key factor in the therapeutic process and are important for tracking progress and providing therapeutic direction, see our blog post Goals are our Desired Outcomes in Life to read more about therapy goals. Additionally, you can collate and bring any information from other professionals that may be helpful, such as a letter from your doctor.
Attending the Session
Where possible, arriving early to your initial appointment will ensure that you are on time, and avoid added stressors if you have difficulties locating the building or get stuck in unexpected traffic. This also applies to telehealth appointments, joining the telehealth call early will ensure that you can resolve any potential technical difficulties before the session begins. This can also provide time to engage in deep breathing or other ground techniques while you await your appointment such as the 5-4-3-2-1 technique. It may also be helpful to consider your outfit. Everyone is different, some people may feel more comfortable in session if they dress professionally, while others may benefit from a relaxed outfit. Take the time to consider what might be best for you.
During the Session
The purpose of the first session is for the clinician to understand why you are seeking therapy and gain as much relevant information as we can to best cater the therapeutic approach to your unique needs. To do so, the clinician will ask a variety of questions, these may include how long you have been experiencing your presenting concern(s), your medical history, your sleep, diet, and exercise routines, if you have ever engaged in mental health services previously, if you have a family history of mental or other medical health concerns, what you have tried previously that has or hasn’t worked, and what your goals of therapy are. Depending on your presenting concern(s) and the clinician’s areas of expertise, the clinician may also propose more than one potential intervention approach, to see which resonates with you strongest.
After the Session
It is important to check in with yourself and how you are feeling following the first session. Ask yourself, how do I feel? Is there any additional information I wish I had shared? Is there anything the clinician did, or didn’t do, that I hope is different next time? Is there anything the clinician did, or didn’t do, that I hope is the same next time? If you are comfortable doing so, it can also be a good idea to share this information with your clinician in the following session as this can help build a strong therapeutic alliance.
Therapy doesn’t need to be daunting. With the caring team at Breakfree Psychology Services you can receive the support you need to reach your goals. If you would like to schedule an appointment or simply speak with someone before getting started, feel free to reach out to us at 0479 149 277 or submit an online enquiry.