What happens in the first therapy session?
Have you been thinking about therapy? If you have, then you probably wonder what happens in therapy. What is an average session like? Is there homework? Will I be asked to talk about my feelings?
If you’ve decided that therapy is something you want to explore, it’s natural to have questions about what happens and how it works.
With the increase in stress and mental health concerns, the need for therapy has increased. Here we talk about what happens in therapy and what you can expect if you choose to seek support. First of all, it is very brave of you to think about talking to a therapist. It is normal to feel anxious or overwhelmed.
What is therapy?
Therapy is a process of managing change in a way that leads to growth. It involves confronting stressful or distressing problems, learning how to handle painful feelings and unresolved conflicts, moving beyond self-defeating patterns of behavior, identifying the changes needed to resolve past problems and make new directions in your personal and professional life. The purpose of therapy is to help you become aware of how your personal history affects your life today and how current events influence your feelings, thoughts and actions that either help or hinder achieving your goals.
You're not alone when it comes to feeling anxious, confused, or even unhappy at times. Therapy is a safe and supportive space for you to talk about what may be holding you back from living your best life.
Beginning your search
As you begin your search for a therapist, it is important to attend a consultation. A consultation provides an opportunity to ask the potential therapist questions. This is your chance to determine if you feel connected and comfortable with the therapist.
Some questions to consider:
What type of modalities do you use in your practice?
How have you helped other clients with this issue in the past?
What do you specialize in?
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
How much is each session?
Do you accept insurance?
Do you provide homework after sessions?
At the consultation, the potential therapist will have time to address any questions and concerns you may have about your need for therapy. After completing the consultation and deciding on the therapist, you will then schedule a date and time for your first session.
The first session
The first session of therapy, the therapist will inquire about family history, work, self-care and relationships. The information provided helps to determine a course of action for therapy. The therapist also asks what you want to get out of therapy, so that goals can be determined in order to develop a plan.
Also, in this session you decide on the goal for therapy. You are allowed to have more than one however you and the therapist will decide on which to start with first, especially for longer term therapy. If something comes up that seems more critical than what you originally set out to do, we want you to be able to update your goal.
Will I have to complete homework?
During therapy it is important to explore what works best for you. You can discuss with your therapist whether it may be helpful for you to have ‘homework’ or not. Homework can look like completing a self-care activity, writing in a journal, having a conversation with that friend or writing down your strengths.
What is the average length of a session?
Sessions are usually 50 mins, but some therapists offer alternatives such as 30 min or 90 min sessions. The frequency of sessions can vary from weekly to every 2 weeks. Some people prefer longer sessions and others like more frequent sessions. Speak with your therapist to determine what works best for you.
If you are considering therapy, remember that your therapist is there to support you through all the feelings that may come. It is encouraged to be honest with your therapist if something isn't working for you, and it is okay if they are not the right fit even after meeting with them in the consultation.
Whether you are seeking counselling services to help with anxiety or depression, or have experienced trauma and are looking for an alternative therapy to enhance your self-esteem and well-being, we can help! We provide services in a safe, confidential environment where each client is treated with kindness, compassion, and respect. Please contact us at www.winroseoasiscounselling.com for more information about our counseling services. We serve clients in Ontario, Canada.
Disclaimer: This blog represents the opinions of a professional practicing in the field of mental health and provides education on services offered.