So you have decided to schedule your first therapy session? It’s normal to have a variety of feelings about this and the circumstances that brought you to that decision. If you haven’t been to therapy before you may feel nervous or unsure of what to expect! This post will provide some general information and outline for beginning the therapeutic process.
Once you have scheduled your appointment, you will be directed on the process for filling out the intake paperwork. This stage is similar to a doctor’s appointment. This will often include the following paperwork:
- Intake Packet: Document that often asks questions about your medical and relational history, current challenges or issues, and a variety of other background information
- Therapist Patient Agreement: Document that will outline the therapist background, policies, and expectations for the therapeutic process.
- HIPPA Forms: Paperwork that highlights and protects the privacy and confidential nature of the therapy process.
- Payment Information: Documents that will allow payment to be conducted
Once you arrive for your first appointment, it will often mimic something similar to a doctor’s appointment. There may be a waiting area and some settings may be more casual than others. Someone will get you or call your name when your appointment is ready to begin. Remember therapist is designed to be more than one session and is a process, not an immediate fix. The first session is designed for you and the therapist to get to know each other and begin to build a foundational therapeutic relationship. Some questions you may experience in the first session are:
- What brought you to therapy?
- Questions about your background, family, career, relationships, and life experiences
- What are you hoping to see change in your life/relationship?
In addition to initial questions, this session will also cover the intake paperwork, plan for treatment, confidentiality, and a plan for future sessions. There should also be time to ask any questions you have about the therapeutic paperwork and process so you are comfortable moving forward!
It can be helpful to know what you are walking into, but you have already made a brave and vulnerable step toward health by seeking help through therapy!
