It’s a big step to decide to seek therapy. It can be both exciting and scary. To help ease some of the fear, I decided I should share with you what to expect when seeking therapy.
When you call to schedule your appointment, you will usually be asked the primary reason for counseling to make sure the therapist is going to be a good fit to assist you and to give the therapist an idea of what to expect. They will get necessary information such as your name, address, phone number, insurance provider, and/or credit card information. Then they will get you set up with an appointment.
Next, you will have your first session, called an intake. You will be asked to come early to fill out paperwork. When you meet the therapist, they will introduce themselves and ask questions about why you are there. They will also gather background information such as mental health history, family history, and occupation, or grade. Additionally, you will be asked if you have any questions. This is an excellent opportunity to ask about the therapist’s credentials, how long they have been doing this, and the third therapeutic approach. Lastly, they will conclude the session by giving you one or two things to work on.
During your next sessions, expect them to last 45-60 minutes. Expect to be assigned homework and be provided with coping skills. Expect indirect advice where the therapist helps you find your answers and solutions in addition to suggesting things directly.
I hope that you now have a better idea of what to expect when you start your therapy journey. We look forward to seeing you soon!
