Embarking on the journey of therapy can be a whirlwind of emotions, from excitement to nervousness about baring your soul to a complete stranger. But rest assured, those feelings are completely normal, according to experts like Amie Grant from Take Up Space Therapy Services. In therapy, you’re encouraged to break free from societal pressures to stay silent and instead, speak your truth.
Before you even sit on that therapist’s couch, there’s a bit of groundwork to lay. Many therapists offer a brief consultation call, up to 20 minutes, to determine if you’re a good match before diving into a full session. This is often accompanied by paperwork that covers everything from insurance details to your goals for therapy. Some therapists might even have you fill out mental health questionnaires to streamline the process, allowing you to hit the ground running in your first session.
Once you’re in the session, you’ll find that therapy is a unique blend of structure and flexibility. Sessions typically last between 45 and 55 minutes, although some may extend up to two hours. Your therapist might have a particular methodology, but at the core, it’s all about talking through feelings. And yes, you’ll be sitting face-to-face, as therapists use body language to gauge and guide the conversation.
If the thought of prolonged eye contact gives you the jitters, that’s perfectly okay. Therapists understand and often have artwork or objects in the room for you to focus on to ease any discomfort. Virtual sessions offer the same flexibility, granting you the liberty to look away from the screen to gather your thoughts.
The initial therapy session, often called the ‘intake,’ is your chance to ease into the process. It’s less about diving deep into trauma and more about getting to know each other. Instead of recounting all past ordeals, focus on recent events, stressors, or goals you wish to achieve. It’s about setting a foundation and outlining what you hope to get from therapy.
Feeling a bit of pressure to ‘perform’ during the session? Let it go. Therapists like Sheri Langston from Rocky Mountain Therapy Group assure that showing up is enough, and it’s you who controls how much you share. And if you’re at a loss for what to say, your therapist is there to guide you through the process, ensuring you feel comfortable and heard.
As you and your therapist outline your treatment goals, the first few sessions may feel a bit awkward, which is completely normal. This is a time for both you and your therapist to decide if the relationship is a good fit. You don’t need to determine right away if this therapist is your ‘one’. It’s a process of exploration and understanding, and it’s okay to test the waters until it feels right.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process and your feedback is vital. If you ever feel the pace is too fast, or you’d like a shift in topics, communicate with your therapist. They’re there to adapt to your needs and ensure you get the most out of your sessions. Good therapists thrive on feedback and won’t take it personally if you choose to move on to a different practitioner.
Your first therapy session marks the beginning of a potentially transformative journey. While initial jitters are to be expected, they open the door to personal growth and healing. Whether or not you and your therapist are a lasting match, the experience is all about finding the best fit for your mental health journey. Trust that with time, the process will become more comfortable, guiding you towards achieving your therapeutic goals.
Source: Yahoo
