1st therapy visit - what to expect?

[riaketty]

Well, the title really sums it up. I'm having my first therapy visit this week. What should I expect? I'm really nervous... not because it's therapy, but just because it's a new person, you know?

[asoulunbound]

I think that the previous poster did a pretty thorough job.

One thing to remember is that it's kinda like dating- with some people you might hit it off, and others you might not. Don't give up if one person doesn't suit you for whatever reason. give them a chance, but-dittoing pp- trust your instincts.

oh, and good for you for asking for help. :

[riaketty]

Originally Posted by MommytoC

Depending on how the provider works --- solo practice, group practice, hospital setting, clinic setting --- there may be paperwork to fill out. If you're paying with insurance, your insurance company may require you to fill out a survey. This part usually takes about 15 minutes if you're to do it at all. I have found that solo practitioners are less likely to bother with this type of paperwork.

The therapist will take you into his/her office, talk with you about why you're there, what the process may be like, and should provide you with informed consent ("you may encounter some uncomfortable feelings at times" etc) and information on duty-to-warn ("the intent to harm yourself or others"). If you completed a history questionnaire, he/she may take the opportunity to go over that with you. He/she may save it for the next session, or not go over it with you at all --- in the end it's your choice if you want to or not.

The process after that is really up to you. Some therapists are more inclined to ask questions to get the ball rolling while others may choose to wait for you to make the first move. Either approach is good, but may not be the right call for everyone. It should be an organic process. Some therapists focus on how you came to where you are now and the impact that is having on your life (psychodynamic) while others may ask you what you're unhappy with and what you want to see changed and will work with you to set very real and concrete goals on how to achieve that (more behavioral). I consider one to be more process oriented and the other more results oriented. Again, neither is wrong, it just depends on what you're looking for.

However, most studies I have read on the matter have clearly stated that the most important factor in successful therapy is the relationship between the client and the therapist. If you can't trust or don't like your therapist, odds are it won't be successful, so trust your instincts on that part.

Thank you so much... this really helped the anxiety.