Planning on your first therapy session? Awesome! It is normal to feel anxious about starting therapy or counseling.
Starting anything new brings a lot of anticipation and nerves, now combine that with opening up to a stranger. It is dreadful. Although there is no formal need to prepare for a therapy session, it is always better to be proactive, which will not only help to lessen the nerves but make for a successful first meeting with the therapist.
Some ways you can prepare before your first session:
Choose the right therapist
It is a good idea to learn about the therapists, consider clinic location, therapist fees before making an appointment with the therapist.
Learn about the therapists’ training, expertise and experience by visiting their website or by enquiring by call or email. Consider where the therapist is located and see if they are at a distance where you can travel to. Also, discuss the session fee and consider if the amount is something that you can afford as therapy takes weeks or months for treatment.
Think about what you want
It is important to think about why you are going to therapy and what you would like to gain from the therapy sessions so that you can have an internal timeline. It is also helpful to prepare any questions you might have to ask from the therapist.
Be as open as possible
Prepare yourself to try your best openly communicate your feelings and thoughts as it will help the therapist understand you better. We often get too rigid in our thoughts and disregard anyone’s opinion, go into therapy with an open mind sit and take the suggestions for a path forward.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Don’t shy away from asking questions to your therapist beforehand. You can ask them about how to relax your nerves before the session.
Make Plans after the sessions
Therapy takes a lot. Everyone has a different feeling after attending the session. Some feel exhausted, some feel motivated, some feel content. What is important is to make plans for after therapy which will help you to relax a little and help absorb the deep therapeutic session. Make go out for a walk after your session, or a coffee by yourself or with someone who makes you happy and supports you. Don’t crunch your session in between your schedule or work. Take your time to recover from the session.
To learn more about Dr. Prerna Kohli click here
All images courtesy Pixabay
