Things to expect in your first appointment

You might feel uncertain about going to therapy.

For all the progress that’s been made, the stigma against seeking mental health treatment is still real—and that’s despite the fact that about half of us will have to deal with a serious psychological issue at some point,

We all have our own coping resources and repertoire and sometimes the stressors in our lives exceed our abilities to cope,” she says. There’s no judgment in that. You might still second-guess your choice to go, even as you enter the waiting room, but that’s no reason not to give it a try to see if it benefits you.

First Things, First

When you get to the therapist’s office, expect your initial experience to be similar to a doctor’s appointment. You will sign in when you get there, sit in the waiting room, and wait for someone to call your name. If your therapist has a home practice, the scene might be a bit more casual.

While waiting, you will likely fill out some paperwork, including:

  • Medical history, including your current medications
  • A questionnaire about your symptoms
  • Record release form
  • Therapist-patient services agreement

If you feel uncomfortable answering any of the questions on paper, you can wait until you are with the therapist and answer the questions orally. You might also have the option to complete this paperwork at home prior to your first visit. This can be downloaded from this website.

Your First Therapy Session

Your first session with the therapist will be different from future visits. The initial visit is a period for you and your therapist to get to know each other and get an idea of how to proceed. Future visits will be more therapeutic in nature. For example, in your second session, you may explore a specific symptom, problem, or past trauma you mentioned in the first session.

Keep in mind that psychotherapy usually requires multiple visits, so don’t expect any instant solutions to your problems on the first day. Therapy is about equipping you with life-long solutions and not a quick fix.

During the first session, your therapist may ask you:

What brought you to counselling at this time?

What are your symptoms?

What are you hoping to accomplish through counselling?

Do you have any concerns about what counselling might be like, or questions you’d like to ask?

Some questions about your history, including your childhood, education, relationships (family, romantic, friends), your current living situation, and your career.

You can also share what is in your mind or anything that you feel might be relevant to the treatment or solutions that you are seeking.

These questions and those of the like are designed to help your therapist gage where you’re at as well as where you want to be and enable your progression to that desired destination. So long as you discuss, agree on, and map out a treatment plan, the first session is the time to plan for future sessions. Frequency will depend on both the therapist’s recommendation and availability, and your own preference, scheduling conflicts, and financial constraints.

In summary, at the end of the first session, you should feel as if you and your therapist know each other a bit better, that you are comfortable working together, and that you have a plan going forward. Hopefully, you leave your counsellors office feeling more confident about your decision to begin counselling and ready to get to work; however, if those nerves aren’t completely resolved, that’s okay too. It’s called a process for a reason.

Length of Treatment

Depending on your issue and therapy goals, therapy can last a few sessions or several weeks or years. While you likely want to know how long it’s going to take to “feel better,” there’s no simple answer. It’s very individualised.

Therapy Methods

Therapists have training in a variety of techniques that can help you better cope with mental illness, resolve personal issues, and create personal changes in your life. Finding out what technique or combination of techniques your therapist will use can give you a better idea of what will happen during your sessions. Some common types of therapy include:

Acceptance Commitment Therapy: Developing psychological flexibility and is a form of behavioural therapy that combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance.

Cognitive or cognitive behavioural therapy: Focuses on making connections between thoughts, behaviour, and feelings

Client centered therapy (person centered therapy): A non-directive form of talk therapy that emphasises positive unconditional regard

Existential therapy: Focuses on you (free will, self-determination) rather than the symptom

Gestalt therapy: Focuses on the “here and now” experience of the client

Psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapy: Focuses on getting in touch with and working through painful feelings in the unconscious mind

Patient Confidentiality

In most cases, a therapist is required to keep information discussed during therapy private. However, according to the Singapore Association of Counselling “Code of Ethics” confidential information can be disclosed with the permission of the individual or as permitted by the law.

In most cases, a therapist is required to breach confidentiality if a client poses an imminent threat to themselves, the therapist, or a third party. The information must be divulged to a person capable of taking action to reduce the threat, for example, a police officer.

What to Ask Your Therapist

When the therapist finishes, they should ask you if you have any questions. You can use this opportunity to get to know your therapist a little better by asking more about their training, experience, approaches, and goals for therapy.

 

Questions to Ask During Your First Session

  • How can you assure my confidentiality?
  • How long will each session last?
  • How many sessions will it take to resolve my issue?
  • Will you briefly explain what I can expect to happen in my sessions?

Is Your Therapist Right for You?

A big part of successful therapy is feeling comfortable with your therapist, which may come over time. However, if after a few meetings, you’re just not clicking, you do have the choice to seek out another therapist.

To determine if you’re receiving the best care from your therapist, the National Alliance on Mental Illnesses recommends asking yourself the following questions:

  • Do they challenge you?
  • Do they check in with you?
  • Do they guide you to your goals?
  • Do they help you learn?
  • Do they show acceptance and compassion?
  • Do they treat you as an equal?

If your answer to any of these questions is “No,” then it’s likely time to consider changing therapists. At the end of your session, just tell your therapist that you will not be returning. Don’t be surprised if your therapist asks why.

You can answer honestly (you just feel like you’re not clicking) or just say that you prefer not to say. In most cases, your therapist will be professional and can recommend another therapist who will be a better fit.

Take time to care for yourself. You deserve it.

Feel free to contact us for more information, or just browse through our website to find out more about ThriveLabSpace Counselling.