So you’ve decided to take the step of going to see a therapist. That’s wonderful and good that you’re taking care of your mental health. Whatever your reason for seeking help, you will feel more at ease and get better results if you know what to expect.
In your first session, the therapist will ask questions about you and your life. This information helps her make an initial assessment of your situation. Questions might include the following:
Why you sought therapy. The therapist has to understand your surface problem(s) before she can get to the deeper issues.
Your personal history and current situation. She will ask you a series of questions about your life. She’ll also ask about your family history and current family situation.
Your current symptoms. Other than knowing the reason you sought therapy, the therapist will attempt to find out if you’re suffering from other symptoms of your problem. For example, are you having difficulties at work.
She will ask these questions to get to know you and understand your situation so you and she can come up with the best plan for your treatment.
Remember therapy is a team effort and you should take an an active part in the session or you won’t find the counseling experience valuable. Here are some things you can do to make your first session successful.
Be open. It’s important to answer questions openly and honestly.
Ask questions. The more you understand the counseling experience or how counseling works, the more comfortable you’ll be. Feel free to ask questions about the therapy process, and ask the therapist to repeat anything you don’t understand.
Be open and honest about your feelings. Many thoughts will be going through your head during the session. Listen to your own reactions and feelings, and share them with the therapist.
Remember therapy is not a quick fix for your problem, rather it is a process and it will take time to resolve your problems. The most important part of the process is feeling comfortable with your therapist and feeling that she is truly trying to help you.
Transforming Lives 