Decoding Therapy: Your First Session Demystified

If you have scheduled your first therapy session, you might be feeling anxious. Walking into that first therapy session can be daunting, and you might have a million thoughts running through your mind. You might be wondering what it will be like, whether it will be awkward or whether something you say will be too much. You might even be thinking about walking out the door. In this article, we’ll explore some of these worries and help you feel more prepared for your first therapy session.

Understanding the First Session

The first therapy session is a crucial step toward optimizing your mental health and well-being. This session is known as an intake or psychiatric diagnostic evaluation. During this initial appointment, your therapist will take the time to get to know you, your history, and your goals for therapy. The session typically lasts for an hour and is an opportunity for you to feel comfortable and at ease with your therapist. Your therapist may use an interview-style approach, asking many back-and-forth questions, or they may choose a more informal and conversational approach, depending on their training and school of thought. The topics discussed during the session will cover a wide range of areas, including your previous mental health, diagnosis and treatment, family history, current lifestyle, and any presenting symptoms. This information will help your therapist gain a comprehensive understanding of your overall well-being and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Diagnosis and Insurance

If you plan on using insurance to cover the cost of therapy, your therapist will have to assign a psychiatric diagnosis to you. This is because insurance companies require a diagnosis to approve payment for therapy sessions. Your therapist will evaluate your symptoms and the reasons you are seeking therapy to determine a diagnosis that fits your situation. If you prefer not to receive a psychiatric diagnosis, you can still attend therapy, but you will have to cover the cost of sessions out of pocket, as insurance will not cover it.

Opening Up and Building Trust

When it comes to opening up to a therapist, it's perfectly normal to feel nervous or apprehensive. However, it's important to know that most therapists understand how difficult it can be to share your deepest thoughts and feelings with another person. Experienced therapists are always seeking ways to improve themselves, and this often involves seeking therapy themselves. They understand the transformative power of therapy and are committed to helping their clients achieve their own personal growth and healing. So if you're feeling hesitant about opening up to a therapist, know that they are there to support you and guide you through the process in a safe and non-judgmental way.

It is paramount to be honest with your therapist. By withholding information, you are only depriving yourself of the opportunity to make progress. Your therapist needs a complete understanding of your situation to provide the best possible treatment plan. It's important to remember that therapists are trained to be non-judgmental and unbiased, and they have seen and heard a wide range of experiences. A good therapist will make it clear to you that there is nothing you can say that will shock or surprise them. By being transparent with your therapist, you are taking a positive step towards your well-being and mental health.

Embracing Your Journey

Scheduling and attending your first therapy session can be nerve-wracking. However, I want to assure you that it's okay to feel that way. I also want to commend you for taking a step toward improving your mental health and self-awareness.

Remember that completing an intake form or attending an initial therapy session does not mean that you are obligated to continue seeing that therapist. The most important aspect of therapy is finding a therapist who can help you meet your individual goals and needs. This can only happen when you feel comfortable and understood by your therapist. If you find that a particular therapist is not the right fit for you, you have the option to try out other therapists until you find one that feels like a good match. Don't hesitate to make choices that empower you to get the help you need.