For anyone new to therapy (and even those who've seen a few therapists!) the idea of seeing a new therapist can be overwhelming partly due to the unknown: What will happen the first time I talk to this stranger? Let's demystify things a little bit.
Your first therapy session has 3 main goals:
Discuss your reasons for seeking therapy: This is where you talk about you! Most of this first session will focus on you talking about your current circumstances - what's going on in your life right now that's making you feel like something needs to change? And if therapy is effective, what would be different in your life? What do you hope to gain from therapy?
Build a relationship: Our first session is like a two-way interview. I'll get to know you, and you'll get to know me. I'll need to ask questions to help me better understand what your main areas of concern are, as well as your history in terms of your life, family, childhood, and career. But you're also welcome (and encouraged) to ask questions too. The quality of the therapeutic relationship is important for therapy to be successful! You need to feel comfortable sharing personal information with me (or any therapist). I'll do my best on my part to be respectful, compassionate, non-judgmental, and to actively listen to you and try to understand your experience.
Develop a personalized treatment plan: While I obviously won't know everything about you in our first 90 minute meeting, I should have a rough idea of the general areas you'd like to focus on in therapy, and be able to suggest which therapies would be most helpful for you. We'll discuss your therapy options, and I'll provide you with some information to look over at home to help you decide which treatment you would like. The more we sessions we have, the more I will learn about you, and this may lead me to update my ideas on your treatment plan.
I will have some forms for you to complete before we meet, to give me a sense of what we will need to focus on in our session. The rest of the information will come from you and whatever you decide to share with me. If you're not comfortable sharing some information with me yet, that's ok! The more information I have, the better I can come up with a treatment plan, but it doesn't all have to be done on day 1!
During our actual session you'll be talking quite a bit about yourself and difficulties you've been having. This may lead to you feeling emotional or overwhelmed. This is to be expected, but may mean you don't want to make any big plans for right after our session - you may need some time to let your emotions settle. We can also take any breaks you need.
All sessions are currently being conducted online, which provides a challenge compared to coming in to my office where it's a private space no one can listen in on! Please make sure that you have a quiet PRIVATE place to talk. I'm going to be asking you some pretty personal questions that you probably don't want to be answering in your shared office space or at a coffee shop. Also, please make sure you have the best internet connection you can so we don't get cut off. All of my sessions are done in a private office space. It will only be me and my 2 co-therapist cats, who may choose to make a surprise appearance. Or maybe not.
I look forward to seeing you! (So does Loki)
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