How to prepare for your first therapy appointment

Therapy is an important part of mental health care. Working with a therapist can be an effective way to treat chronic mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or trauma, as well as everyday problems such as relationship problems, stress and exhaustion. You may also seek therapy during difficult times, such as after a death, divorce, or during an election.

In therapy, which you may also hear called “psychotherapy” or “talk therapy,” you meet with a mental health professional one-on-one or in a group to discuss your concerns and get support to identify and achieve their goals. . According to the American Psychological Association (APA), there is 75% success rate for those receiving psychotherapy.

Regardless of your reason for considering therapy, if you’re just planning your first appointment, it’s important to do some groundwork beforehand. Preparing for your first therapy appointment can help make your session smoother and less stressful so you can make the most of your time with your provider. Here are five top tips for preparation. For more help, here the best programs for mental health care.

More details: Online vs. In-Person Therapy: What You Should Know

Five steps to take before your first therapy session

Scheduling your first therapy session with a new mental health professional can be daunting, especially if you’ve never received counseling before. After all, you are more likely to share deeply personal thoughts and feelings. Just remember that therapy is most effective when you’re open and transparent with your therapist, which means you need to be vulnerable – and it’s okay to feel uncomfortable at first.

Preparation can create a sense of safety, security and comfort. To prepare, follow these tips to get the most out of your therapy journey.

Collect important documents

Before you engage in mental or emotional reflection, take a few minutes to be practical and gather relevant documents such as insurance information, medical records, notes from a previous doctor or therapist, and a list of current and past medications. Previous records and medications can help your new therapist better understand your situation and reasons for seeking therapy.

If you have insurance, find out what your plan covers, including the number of sessions, and carefully review network providers to make sure your out-of-pocket copay is as low as possible. Not all health insurance plans cover treatment or psychiatry. Check your plan or call your insurance company to find out.

Consider and organize your thoughts

Before your first appointment, take some time to think about why you are doing therapy and what you hope to achieve from it. This is also a good time to reflect on your recent thoughts and feelings to notice any patterns or issues you would like to address. This reflection can help you better articulate your feelings, organize your thoughts, and be a good starting point for conversation during the session.

It may be helpful to keep a journal or notebook specifically for therapy sessions. This can help you document your thoughts between sessions, write down questions to ask your provider, and take notes during sessions.

Prepare questions

Not only should you be prepared for your ISP to ask you questions, but you should also be prepared to ask your ISP questions. All therapists have different approaches and techniques, which means you don’t have to connect with every provider. Ask questions to see if you want to continue booking sessions with this provider or consider switching.

Some important questions include:

• Do you have experiences similar to mine?
• What types of therapy do you offer?
• Do you offer online therapy, in-person therapy, or both?
• What is the best way to communicate between sessions?

By asking questions, you are more likely to determine if the therapist is a good fit for your needs and goals.

Set realistic goals

Set realistic goals for what you want to get out of your classes. It is important to think about what you want to achieve from therapy to guide your discussions.

To set goals, think about your priorities, whether it’s improving relationships, treating chronic mental health conditions, or fostering personal growth. Make sure your goals are met within a reasonable amount of time to help you stay motivated, encouraged and on track. Once you have planned these goals, share them with your therapist. They will be able to help you improve them, ask questions, provide feedback and develop a work plan to achieve your goals.

It’s also important to track your progress. Whether you journal or reflect, it’s good to recognize how far you’ve come and celebrate your progress when you reach a goal.

Set your location for online therapy

If you are doing therapy online rather than in person, decide in advance where you are going to take the call. Make sure you choose a quiet location with good lighting and minimal distractions.

You should also choose a comfortable chair and clothing, as many therapy sessions last an hour. Any discomfort or distraction can interfere with your practice.

You are ready for your first session

Remember that your first therapy appointment is often about introducing yourself to your doctor and building a relationship. You don’t need to go with all of your goals and discussion questions fully planned, as your therapist will be there to guide the discussion and guide you along your journey.

To learn more, learn about it four free ways to improve your mental health and best online therapy services.