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What to Expect in your First Therapy Session

Prepare yourself to go into your first counseling session confidently

If one good thing has come from the pandemic, it's the overwhelming realization that mental health matters. If you're experiencing struggles with your mental wellbeing but feel apprehensive about seeking treatment, this series is for you. Educate yourself on what to expect from your first therapy session to reduce anxiety and help you get on the path to healing.

Questions to expect in your first therapy session

The first therapy session will not delve too deeply into your issues, so there's no need to feel intimidated. It's more of a meet and greet between you and your therapist to see if you're a good match and make a plan for future treatment.

black woman filling out form on clipboard
Here are 3 questions you can likely expect during your first therapy session:

1. What brought you to therapy? This is a basic question that will inform your therapist about the general issues that brought you to seek professional help. If there was a certain problem or occurrence, this is when you'd explain.

2. What are your current symptoms? Your therapist will need to know how your problems are affecting your life in order to help with a diagnosis and proper treatment. Symptoms can include physical manifestations, destructive thoughts, or anything else you feel is significant.

3. What is your personal history? Personal history will help your therapist get an idea of your current situation. Questions will include medical history and family history. Your therapist may ask about your childhood, your role in your family, or any history of mental illness in your family.

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your therapy session:

1. Be open and honest. Having an open mind is very important for the initial conversation between you and your therapist. Tell the complete truth so your therapist can get a correct picture of your current situation to provide accurate treatment.

2. Ask questions. Treat this session almost like a job interview for your therapist. You can ask about their professional experience as well as different treatment methods. A good relationship between you and your therapist relies on trust.

3. Prepare. It's always best to go into any situation with an idea of what to expect. Reading articles similar to this one or practicing verbalizing your problems are just a few examples of how to prepare.

If you or a loved one are suffering from mental health issues, seeking professional help is the next step. Our clinicians in our Counseling & Wellness Centers are here to help.

Call our main number at 844-4-ACENDA (844-422-3632 x9500) for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Sources:

https://www.verywellmind.com/psychotherapy-101-p2-1067403

https://psychcentral.com/lib/what-to-expect-in-your-first-counseling-session#1