If you’ve landed on this blog our guess is that you’re either thinking about seeing a therapist, or you’ve just booked an appointment and you’re searching for ways to prepare for your first therapy session. In any case, you’ve come to the right place! You might have an idea about what therapy is like based on how you’ve seen it play out in movies or maybe what you’ve heard from friends and family, but we want to give you a clear picture of what you can expect in your first therapy session and how you can prepare to meet with your therapist for the first time. In this video, psychologist Kim Long walks you through what a typical first session looks like at Dochas Psychological Services, and gives you ways to prepare for your first appointment. While these steps happen with every psychologist, it’s important to remember that they might differ depending on which clinic you visit and what therapist you see.
How to Prepare For Your First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session will be different from all future sessions for a couple of reasons. First, it’s your first time meeting with a therapist and that can be scary. Opening up to a stranger about your feelings might not come naturally to you, and you might be nervous. This is completely normal.
Your initial therapy appointment will also include some administrative tasks. You might be wondering what you have to sign other than a consent form, but there are a few details in your initial paperwork that are important for you to understand in order to feel protected.
Intake
At Dochas Psychological Services we have you complete your intake forms when you register online. We know the dread of sitting in a waiting room filling out paperwork in initial appointments, so it’s important to us that you do this on your own time and where you feel most comfortable. Your intake will cover typical personal information like address, contact, as well as your health history and some medical questions.
Once you have completed your intake online, you will receive a welcome email from us. In this email we give you all the things you need to know before your first appointment such as location, contact information, parking, and how to check in once you arrive. And of course, the location of the coffee machine!
Informed Consent
In your welcome email you will receive an informed consent form. While you don’t have to do anything with this form prior to your first session, we like to make our clients aware of this part of therapy and give them a chance to think of any questions they might have. Informed consent includes information about the purpose and nature of therapy, confidentiality, insurance Q and As, and responsibility of the therapist to parties. Informed consent is a collaborative process that you will have with your therapist.
In your first session your therapist will go over informed consent with you and answer any questions you have before continuing the appointment.
Payment Agreement
In your welcome email you will also receive a payment agreement form. This form covers information about cancellation fees, no show fees, and insurance information including direct billing.
What Your First Therapy Session Will Look Like
When you arrive at Dochas you can make yourself comfortable in our waiting area, grab a coffee, and wait for your therapist to come greet you.
Your therapist will invite you into their office where you will complete any outstanding paperwork and have a discussion about informed consent.
Your therapist will then do the actual intake for your first session. This varies among clinics. Some clinics have a formal interview where they ask questions to get to know you and your history, and other clinics have a relaxed session where they let the client lead the conversation. At Dochas we like to give our clients the opportunity to tell us their story and any information they feel is important to talk about.
Your first session is about your therapist getting to know you, and you figuring out if there is a connection with your therapist. There are two important things your therapist will likely touch on in your first session. First, they might ask you about any suicidal thoughts or history. Second, they may focus on setting goals for your future sessions.
Are you ready to book your first appointment with a therapist and get the professional advice you’ve been searching for? Connect with a Dochas Professional here.
Trust Your Practitioner
Aside from the administrative steps in your first therapy session, the most important part of your initial appointment is determining whether you and your therapist have a connection. Your therapist will discover whether or not they have the right knowledge and tools to offer you the help you need. Likewise, you will discover whether or not you feel that your therapist is the right fit for you. In the chance that a therapist and client are not the right fit, at Dochas we will ensure that you are connected with the right therapist.
An important question to ask yourself is what kind of therapist are you drawn to? Would you be more comfortable talking to someone who is more formal and strongly directs your sessions, or someone who is laid back and gives you flexibility on the structure of your sessions? Both strategies are equal in their effectiveness, but it’s likely that you’ll enjoy one more than the other.
About Dochas Psychological Services
Dochas Psychological Services is a well-established and trusted therapy clinic located in Spruce Grove, Alberta. At Dochas we value the idea that everyone deserves a safe space. Through connection and education, our team works hard to build a trustworthy relationship with each of our clients. It is our goal to create a community for our clients to feel like they belong.
Disclaimer
Information provided through Dochas Psychological Services blogs or vlogs are meant for educational purposes only. They are NOT medical or mental health advice. You can read more about our disclaimer here.
