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What should I expect from my first session with a therapist?
Your first session will probably involve your therapist asking you a lot of questions about you, how you cope, and your symptoms (it’s basically an interview). You may also chat about goals for therapy, expectations, and more. I am interested in starting therapy. I was curious if you are taking on new clients and what your availability is. I am seeking therapy because [one to two sentences about what you would like to address]. Could we set up a phone consultation to discuss more in depth? One of the most challenging aspects of conducting therapy is finessing the balance between meeting clients where they are at and also encouraging them to grow. I believe we all unconsciously recreate patterns in our life that are familiar to us as a way of working through our issues. The first therapy session is the hardest—not because the session itself is grueling, but simply because trying new and foreign things can cause some butterflies in your stomach. For some people, that intimidation may cause them to procrastinate booking that appointment.
What does a first meeting with a therapist look like?
During your first appointment, you and your therapist will ask each other questions and sort out the logistics of your treatment plan. During your first session, you’ll also get a sense of your therapist’s style. This first meeting is sometimes known as an “intake session.” Your first session is a chance for you to make sure you feel comfortable with your therapist, and for them to check they have the skills and expertise to support you. It will include introductions, contracting and a chance for you to tell your story and explain the problems you’re experiencing. The First Appointment: Appointments usually last 30-50 minutes. You and the therapist will use the first appointment or two getting to know each other and deciding if the therapist can help you. Therapy has been found to be most productive when incorporated into a client’s lifestyle for approximately 12-16 sessions, most typically delivered in once weekly sessions for 45 minutes each. For most folks that turns out to be about 3-4 months of once weekly sessions.
What do therapists do after a session?
After you unpack your feelings, your therapist might provide you with some insight in response or help you deconstruct and synthesize what you just shared. They also might give you a task or something to think about if they think it’s important for your process. What can I tell my therapist? The short answer is that you can tell your therapist anything – and they hope that you do. It’s a good idea to share as much as possible, because that’s the only way they can help you. Looking ahead. Sharing something you think is too sensitive or personal can be uncomfortable. But know you’re not alone in thinking you’ve disclosed too much in therapy. When this happens, it can help to explore why you think you’ve overshared and talk it over with your therapist. Can I ask My Therapist What He/She Thinks of Me? Yes, you can, and yes you should. This is a reasonable question to ask a therapist, and any good therapist will be happy to answer. Ideally, therapy ends when all therapy goals have been met. If you entered therapy to treat a fear of dogs and you no longer fear dogs, your work is complete. Or you want to communicate better with your partner and you’ve learned to navigate your disagreements constructively, the goals are met.
Is therapy awkward at first?
Starting therapy can be especially awkward if you’ve not been in therapy before. If you feel weird at first when you’re talking to your therapist, don’t worry. It takes a while to get used to therapy, but you’ll eventually get the hang of it. Although therapists are not obligated to show concern, care, or love to their clients, you should look for one that does. Find someone who wants to truly understand you, takes consideration of your whole context, and can empathize. Reappraising Anxiety It is extremely common and normal to feel anxious before therapy. Patients aren’t the only ones to tear up during therapy — sometimes therapists do, too. You are leading a therapy session when your patient reveals she was horribly abused as a child.
Do you ask your therapist how are you?
So go ahead and ask the question, if you want to. However, it’s also important—and okay—not to ask, if you’d rather not or if you’re genuinely not interested or don’t want to bring a personal component into the work. You have every right to protect your own boundaries, not just during this pandemic, but at all times. So go ahead and ask the question, if you want to. However, it’s also important—and okay—not to ask, if you’d rather not or if you’re genuinely not interested or don’t want to bring a personal component into the work. You have every right to protect your own boundaries, not just during this pandemic, but at all times. So go ahead and ask the question, if you want to. However, it’s also important—and okay—not to ask, if you’d rather not or if you’re genuinely not interested or don’t want to bring a personal component into the work. You have every right to protect your own boundaries, not just during this pandemic, but at all times.