Tips for Your First Therapy Appointment
The first therapy appointment can cause some nervousness or anxiety. It does not matter if it is your first-ever therapy appointment or just your first appointment with a new therapist. You are allowed to have those feelings and can even bring those feelings up during your session.
Scheduling your first appointment
Once you have found a therapist that you feel may work for you, it is time to schedule that first appointment. There are a few elements to consider when preparing for your first therapy appointment.
In my opinion, it is best to schedule your appointment when you have some downtime prior to and after the appointment timeframe. It could be best to schedule your appointment on a day that you do not have plans for after your appointment, possibly a day off.
I suggest this because therapy can bring many emotions to the surface. It is best for you to have time to process those emotions instead of rushing off to work, school, etc.
Being comfortable
For a therapy appointment, you want to wear comfortable clothing. Your therapist is not concerned with how you look; it does not matter if your hair is done or have makeup and fancy clothing on. If you are uncomfortable with your clothing or the space you are sitting in, this can distract from your therapy progress.
If you are doing a virtual appointment, find a private space where you can get comfortable. On the other hand, if your appointment is in person, find a most comfortable spot; the therapist should not mind you trying out a few places in their office.
Being honest
It is important, to be honest, and open while in a therapy session. Sharing your therapy goals with your therapist will help them direct your therapy and choose a proper approach. While it may seem frustrating, your therapist will try to get some background information from you.
It is also likely that they will ask what is causing you to see a therapist. Remember, change take time. You will not see the results of your goals in one appointment.
Finding the patient-therapist connection
The most important factor can only be determined by your own feelings or intuition. A good patient-therapist relationship will help you comfortably focus on your therapy. It is important that you find speaking with them easily and that you trust their guidance. Granted trust is something that builds with time.
On the other hand, if you are uncomfortable with the therapist, you will not be able to focus properly on your therapy. It could even prevent you from wanting to attend sessions.
If you do not find a comfortable connection with the therapist, there is nothing wrong with trying another one. You may find a better connection with somebody else. Additionally, you want to make sure that you understand and are comfortable with their chosen therapeutic approach.
Hopefully, this article has helped to calm some of your nervousness about your first therapy appointment.
Do you have additional tips for someone's first therapy appointment? Share them in the comments!
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