As you may already know, accepting you have a problem, whether caused by self-destructive behavior or uncontrollable factors around you, is already half the battle. That’s because now you can take steps toward the proper solutions, which for most people begins with signing up for therapy. If you’ve already done so or plan to, how do you know what to expect from your first therapy session?
Anticipating speaking to a stranger about deep, personal concerns can evoke anxiousness, especially if you don’t understand what happens during a session. To make things a bit easier, our caring and specialized team that has been providing counseling in Tuscon, AZ, for over 25 years breaks down below what you and your therapist should bring to the table.
What Expectations Should Your Therapist Meet?
Therapists want to become acquainted with your unique situation before offering assistance. For instance, they’ll wonder what brought you to therapy, how you feel, and why. So, during your first session, they’ll ask questions rather than work toward potential solutions, making this session vastly different from future ones.
Afterward, they’ll ask about important people, times, and things in your life, like your childhood or past, loved ones, and current living situation. By delving briefly into love, life, and career, the therapist notes your attitude about certain things and where troubles lay. They’ll wait until the second session before further pinpointing symptoms or trauma.
What You Shouldn’t Expect From Your Therapist
When asking for help, expect a therapy session overview from your therapist alongside a treatment length agreement. However, first therapy session expectations shouldn’t involve them solving all your problems. A therapist isn’t there to speak ill of those who have hurt you or reprimand them for doing so, nor are they there to make the pain magically go away.
Instead, they offer a gentle voice and trained, considerate ear to listen to your troubles. Aside from obtaining a confidant, you’ll receive the appropriate tools and resources to better deal with your concerns yourself.
What Should You Expect From Yourself?
Now that you know what happens in a therapy session, what can you do when preparing for your first therapy session? First and foremost, brace yourself for emotion, especially if you’re not used to opening up to people about your concerns (even those closest to you).
Many clients keep trauma and other important information buried. However, being candid allows you to accept certain facts more easily and heal and gives your therapist the full story to work with. So, expect to show your sensitive side and feel emotionally drained after the initial therapy appointment experience.
Finding Balance In Your Mind, Body, and Soul One Step at a Time!
When preparing for your first therapy session, whether for identifying an anger problem or surviving trauma, use this as a counseling session guide to help you prepare. As a family-owned company, we see the importance of treating everyone like our own. So, to learn what to expect from your first therapy session or find recovery techniques and set goals, call In Balance Counseling at 520-722-9631!
