We have already talked about when it is time to go to therapyAnd now it's time to answer another of the most frequently asked questions we receive from those of us who work in psychology: What happens during the first visit to the psychologist?
Deciding to start therapy is one thing. Making an appointment and having your first session is quite another. This step can cause not only nerves, but real anxiety for many people. Knowing what happens in the first session can help you take things more naturally.
What is the first session like?
Each therapist handles the first sessions differently. But in general, the first session is about getting to know each other and clarifying the reason Why you're seeking psychological guidance. Many people have a very clear reason, but others seek support because they have an undefined discomfort or concern. Most of the first session will be spent on this.
The first session is also different from the rest because, most of the time, the therapist will explain as much as possible what the therapeutic process will be like. That is, how they usually work, the length of sessions, their commitment to you, and, in turn, what they expect from you (for example, punctuality for your sessions and cancellation policy). This is known as framing.
And that's it, the first consultation is no longer a mystery.
If scheduling your first appointment is making you nervous, I'd like you to keep two things in mind:
1. It's totally normal.
You start something new and different, you will talk about personal things, you will not necessarily hear what you want to hear – Who wouldn't feel uneasy?
But you shouldn't spend your whole life thinking about it. In the first session, if you're talking nonstop from being so nervous, your therapist will guide you a bit if they think it's necessary. On the other hand, if you're stuck for anything because you don't know where to start, your therapist will ask you questions little by little.
This is part of my job as a psychologist during your initial consultation: to help you express yourself freely without making you feel like you're in a courtroom trial or interrogation.
2. You don't have to have a psychological disorder to come for a consultation.
We need to leave the myths behind. Psychological counseling can help people with mental disorders, of course. However, leave behind the stigmas about mental health (going to the psychologist = I'm crazy), It will make you feel more at ease with your decision. of going to therapy and, also, it will help to overcome dangerous stereotypes.
I hope you've been able to get a sense of what your first psychological session is like. For me, it's definitely the beginning of an enriching journey: you'll be embarking on a path of transformation and open dialogue with your inner world.
If you want to go deeper into the topic, I recommend you watch this video of The School of Life (Remember to turn on subtitles.) This is a short animation about what psychotherapy is and what it entails.
And if you want to start your journey, don't hesitate to contact me.
