What to expect from your first therapy session

I went to my first therapist appointment completely blind. All I had for context were anonymous anecdotes online portraying strange and sub-par experiences. 

I assumed I would be greeted by someone old, talked down to, and left with some prescription pills. From finding a clinic that I hoped would fit my needs to managing the costs, I had to navigate it alone. And yet, despite my inhibitions, things went rather smoothly.

Mine is not an isolated experience. I am well aware of that. Many of my peers shy away from seeking help because they feel intimidated. The lack of direct information available further mystifies the process. 

So to help you get the best out of your first-ever therapy session, here are a few tips from my own experience.

Do your research

You want to try and identify what kind of help, and therefore, what type of therapist would suit your needs best. Lurk the mental health forums on social media, read reviews and gather information about the services you have access to. Check the therapist or clinic's credentials and credibility.

The next step would be to treat this like any other medical appointment. Once you call to book that first session, you may need to provide some personal information. Be assertive and tell them your preferences, no matter how minuscule they may seem.

Showing up

In theory, this sounds too obvious. You book a slot and show up on time. Oftentimes, however, this can be unnerving and you might be tempted to convince yourself that you don't really need the help. 

To make this less daunting for you, share your plans with your trusted friends and family, who will empathise with you and hold you accountable.

For the session itself, it can take a couple of hours. It will help you immensely if you arrange your thoughts beforehand. Maybe you can jot down some notes about what you are feeling. 

On your first meeting, the therapist will just want to get to know you. They might ask you to think about what you want out of your sessions. Do not worry if you are unsure of your answers to these. You can always communicate and work out a plan that fits you.

Follow through

It is normal if you leave your first appointment feeling overwhelmed or drained. The takeaway here is to stop these uncomfortable emotions preventing you from making that follow up appointment. 

Therapy often requires you to navigate such unideal emotions and you must be prepared for some introspection long after your session is over. But you will not be alone in this. Your therapist will guide you and ask you leading questions. Or at the very least, give you an idea about what to expect on your next session so that you can come in prepared. 

Your therapist is supposed to ensure you feel safe and accepted in their care. If at any point you feel disrespected or unsure, reassess the situation and look for someone else who might suit your personality better.

Shahara is the token tsundere in every social setting. Do not reach out to her at nish.nts@gmail.com