5 Things to Expect During Your First Therapy Appointment
Going to your first therapy appointment can be nerve-wracking and stressful. It can help to know what to expect, so you can feel prepared and ease anxious feelings.
Before you schedule an appointment, ask if the therapist offers a free phone consultation. Consultations can be incredibly helpful, so you can get a feel for the therapist and get first impressions. If you think the therapist will be a good fit, schedule your initial therapy appointment.
Paperwork and Assessment
It’s not usually fun, but paperwork is the first thing you’ll have to complete. Expect to sign forms to consent to treatment and that explain confidentiality (HIPAA). Then, you will likely fill out forms used for assessment purposes, like medical history, current symptoms, family dynamics, and goals for treatment. This information will help the therapist assess your needs and develop an effective treatment plan.
What Brought You to Therapy?
Your therapist will want to know what is bringing you, your child, and/or your family into therapy. It’s important to be honest, but you don’t have to go deep during this initial appointment. Share the biggest issues you’re experiencing and how you’re hoping therapy can help.
Treatment Methods and Approaches
Next, the therapist may share the different treatment methods and interventions they use in therapy. Every therapist specializes in different issues and uses different interventions in their work. Based on the information you provide and your treatment goals, the therapist should have a good idea of how they will work with you and your family.
For example, in my practice, I am trained in Collaborative Problem Solving and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I also use techniques from play therapy, narrative therapy, and somatic approaches to trauma resolution. However, I would not use all these techniques and interventions with all children and families, because they may not be appropriate or helpful.
Questions to Ask
Before the end of the appointment, be sure to ask any questions you might have including:
How do you protect confidentiality?
What is your experience and education?
Have you worked with this particular issue/need before?
What’s your cancellation policy?
Should I/my child be prepared to do anything between sessions?
Check-In with Yourself
Most importantly after the appointment, check-in with yourself. How did you feel about the appointment? Did the therapist make you feel comfortable? Did it seem like you could open up to this person? Did you feel respected and validated? If your child or other family members were present, how did they respond to the therapist?
Not all therapists will be a good fit for you, your child, and your family. One of the most important indicators of successful treatment is a positive relationship with the therapist. Therapists know and understand the importance of a good fit, so if it doesn’t feel right, you can let the therapist know you will not return for ongoing treatment. You can also ask for a referral to another therapist that might be a better fit.
Additional Thoughts
Remember that therapy can be helpful, but it can also be difficult. Your thinking may be challenged, you might process deep and strong emotions and when things seem like they're going well, your child or family may begin to struggle again. These are all typical responses to engaging in deep and meaningful healing.
As always, trust that you and your child continue to evolve throughout your lives and that these challenges are just for now.
See my upcoming posts to explore common issues and what interventions could be helpful. Ready to schedule a free consultation? Click “Schedule a Consultation” below and I’ll talk with you soon. Until then, trust yourself and keep evolving.
