So, You’re Going to Therapy for the First Time…
So, you’re going to therapy for the first time… what does that look like? It’s not like on tv, as much as we might love watching the therapy scenes in Shrinking or The Sopranos. You don’t need to feel compelled to lay on the couch or talk about your dreams -- unless you want to. I digress- you probably want to know how to find a therapist that’s a good fit, how you know what your co-pay is, and what we actually talk about in session.
The single most important factor in therapy is not the therapist’s school of thought, education, years of experience or techniques, but the therapeutic alliance. The therapeutic alliance is the relationship between the client and therapist. It is based on trust, safety, communication, collaboration, and presence. If a client feels that their therapist is a trustworthy and nonjudgemental person with the client’s best interest at heart, they will be able to show up as their authentic selves, which enables the process of healing.
Not every therapist will be your cup of tea, and that’s okay! A good place to start could be getting referrals from a trusted friend or by searching therapists in your area on PsychologyToday.com. There are filters for diagnosis, concern, modality, insurance taken, and even factors like the therapist’s gender and sexuality. Therapists have the option to add introduction videos or pictures of their office to their profile so you can get an idea of what working with them would look like.
Your next order of business is to reach out via email or phone to set up a consultation call (usually 15 minutes to ask questions not covered on their profile and to share what is bringing you to therapy) or an intake appointment. At the time you make an appointment, the therapist will ask for your insurance information so they can determine your copay, your schedule preferences, and they will likely send you forms to complete. These may include a brief history, practice policies, telehealth consent, emergency contact info, and the like. These will need to be completed and returned prior to your first session.
The first session with a new therapist will be an intake appointment, and I tell new client it’s a bit like going to the doctor’s office. Insurance requires therapists to answer certain questions regarding your personal history, and then I like to sprinkle in questions just to get to know you a bit more on a human level. I want to know about your support system, activities you enjoy, and what you are looking for in a therapist. I also want to know about the symptoms you’re experiencing and your goals for our work together. If you haven’t figured that out completely, that’s okay, we will work on determining that in the first few sessions.
After your first session, therapy becomes more individualized based on your personal needs and the school of thought a therapist practices. A client may have specific topics they’d like to address or want support with coping skills. You and your therapist will work together to explore concerns, identify patterns, set goals, and determine what tools you’ll need on your healing journey.
Do you have any other questions about starting therapy we didn’t answer here? Feel free to send us an email and let us know!
Take good care,
Brittany
