Therapy- Is it Worth It? What to Expect from Your First Therapy Session.
Mental health therapy is a health service that helps people navigate emotional experiences learn new behaviors, and treat mental health difficulties. Many people need therapy but many people also struggle to make the call to schedule their first session.
It’s understandable. If you’re going through a hard time having something else on your plate -even something that can help- can seem impossible. And therapy is talking to someone you’ve never met about your deepest, most personal problems. It’s a lot to think about! Therapy takes time, it can take money, and it can take vulnerability. However, as a therapist who has also been in therapy I think its worthwhile. Yes it takes time and money. But you’re investing that in your life and your healing- not your therapist. If you have insurance almost all the cost will be covered. Your therapist is a trained professional who is literally paid to sit there and talk about your problems with you. It’s what they’re there for. They legally can’t share your information without your permission (unless you or someone else is at risk of harm of course). They ethically can’t judge you either. Therapy is hard. It’s deep self work and so it’s not always comfortable. But the healing it offers is definitely worthwhile. People often find comfort in therapy despite how hard it can be.
To further ease your mind here’ some things to expect from your first session:
An Intake- Your First session will involve you therapist getting to know you a little bit. They will ask you about your background and current life experiences. Intake questions can be very personal but you are always free to tell your therapist when you aren’t comfortable answering the question. A therapist puts your needs first.
Getting to know Your Therapist- Another thing about starting therapy is not just your therapist getting to know you but you getting to know your therapist. Every therapist is a different person with different experiences of their own. You get to know your therapist’s personality, approach to therapy, and techniques they like to use. Your professional relationship with your therapist starts in the first session and evolves over time as you both get to know each other. If you meet with a therapist you don’t click with you can always try another. Still, therapy works best when you find a therapist you match well with and stick with them.
Informed Consent- In your first session your therapist will review Informed Consent which is an agreement you sign to agree to terms of service with your therapist. Informed consent is a bit different from therapist to therapist. However, all Informed Consents assure your confidently. Confidentiality is your freedom to talk in therapy without your information being spread by your therapist. Informed Consent also covers cost, cancellation policies etc. You will also be notified of the few things that will legally require a therapist to break confidentiality (child abuse/neglect, abuse/neglect of a vulnerable adult, and planning to harm yourself/others.) Your therapist will also explain if they are available for after hour phone calls or if they request their clients to call a crisis hotline in emergencies.
Developing goals - At the end of the first session you and your therapist work together to decide goals you want accomplish through therapy: decreased anxiety, increased life satisfaction, etc. These goals aren’t set in stone but guide the therapy process to help you get maximum benefit. Therapy goals also evolve and change over time. It’s common for people to develop new goals throughout the therapy process.
If you’re still struggling with the idea of starting therapy that’s okay. It’s a big commitment. But I do believe it’s a commitment worth taking. And keep in mind part of therapy is talking about how it feels to be in therapy.
Reach out if you need more help making a decision.
