What to Expect from your First Therapy Session
First Things, First
Therapy, in itself, holds the myth of being a diseased word. However, its history goes long back, even before the "talking cure," developed by Sigmund Freud, was introduced. The importance of helping others heal while passing on indelible wisdom to support others has been an age-old practice. Besides other stereotypes, therapeutic methods have wrongly been condemned in society as a sign of mental illness and weakness without formally understanding the basic premise.
The rise of therapy was between the period 1960-1990, and later in the early 2000s. Since then, therapy has become a global utensil, boosting self-care, happiness, and relieving the anxiety caused by daily life. Accessible means like online therapy have been introduced in the emerging digital era, making counseling available to everyone in a personalized manner. Despite age groups or social standing, therapy is a common practice in the journey to achieving unbothered sleep, and waking up, feeling motivated to take on the day.
The Benefit
Growing up with the stressful environment created by today’s society, talking through our obstacles is necessary and beneficial for each and every one of us. Research has shown that verbalizing our feelings has significant positive effects on our brain and our emotional coping mechanisms; even if you think you have insignificant stressors bothering you, it’s helpful to get support in understanding our varying thoughts, moods, and behaviors.
It’s important to talk to a counselor, rather than someone in your life, because it can allow you to receive objective support. It’s a unique chance for you to share your opinions without a filter and solely focus on your feelings. Before jumping right in, read the next few paragraphs to understand what homework to do in preparation, how to find the right therapist, and what to expect! We’re rooting for you!
Seeking the Right One
A big part of successful counseling is feeling comfortable with your therapist, which may come over time. It’s important for you to look at this as you would any service provider- take into account client testimonials and referrals, as well as one that is personalized to you. Take a brief look at your potential practitioner’s website and specializations. If you are trying to work on a specific issue-- anger management, sexuality, or general anxiety-- there could be the perfect therapist for you to strengthen your wellness!
However, if after a few meetings, you're just not clicking, you do have the choice to seek out another therapist. You may feel a bit unproductive at first, but go with the flow. Each session is about slowly chipping away and problem-solving; if you are not feeling that these conversations are guided or personalized after a while, let your therapist know, and they can help you connect with someone else.
What to Expect When You're Not Expecting
Doing your “homework” before can pay off during your session. Definitely try to gain some clarity by asking yourself what led you to making this appointment, and define some goals you’d like to eventually see in your future.
You should be ready to dive into some paperwork, but more importantly, to arrive there with an open-mind and a willingness to be honest. Get ready to rant and get everything off your shoulders! You will usually be asked about anything at all that’s been bothering you, whether it be a lack of sleep, constant stress, or the inability to find motivation. But honestly, there's nothing to worry about if you don’t have something specific in mind. Maybe you don't feel like yourself lately, and you don't know the reason why. The important thing in your session is to be open, be yourself, and to answer any questions to the best of your ability. Honesty to yourself is the key to recovery.
Some therapists will assign you tasks to delve deeper into the reasons behind your mood, and encourage you to focus on challenges aligning with your goals. Just keep your head up and remember that you won’t always have to investigate your past because you’re working together to build yourself a happy future.
After that First Therapy Session?
The most important thing to do after your first therapy session is to sit and walk yourself through the progress of the day. There's no such thing as a one-session cure, so you may feel a little better or relieved, but your symptoms won't immediately disappear. Make sure that you felt safe and comfortable in the provided environment, and that you received a present, genuine and open-minded impression from your counselor. What does your gut tell you?
Self-assessment is necessarily your first task after the first session, but don't let too much thought get into your head abruptly. Keep in touch with your therapist. Oftentimes, it’ll also be difficult to remember what light-bulb words hit you like an epiphany in therapy while discussing your stressors. It’s always recommended to journal your thoughts to maintain open-mindedness and reference your progress in future sessions. Remember: Whatever work you do between sessions is about making you feel healthier and happier, not about getting a good grade.
The Journey
It is possibly the toughest decision to break out of your shell and reveal your innermost thoughts to a therapist. The security of your mind is generally not explored in a one-time visit; it takes several days, weeks, or months, so don't let this get into your head. Trust your therapist and let this be a gradual and organic process.
Therapy is all about what a client really needs. So test the waters, and see what works best for you, whether it be guided meditations, bi-weekly check-ins, or ongoing conversations to optimize your health and happiness. Just know that therapy is a valuable tool that can be instrumental in your growth, care, and self-understanding- we have a curated database of over five-hundred culturally-sensitive therapists to help get you started! You can find a therapist on our website!