If you are thinking of starting therapy, that is undeniably a huge step. Whatever it is that you are seeking support and help for, you will want to get what you are after, and you will probably be a bit intimidated before the first session. Not knowing how it all functions and not knowing what to expect can leave you a bit uncertain and confused. So, you want to know what to expect, and this useful source offers some insight as well.
Thus, if you are exploring therapy services in Vancouver, you want to get a bit more prepared for it. After all, understanding what to expect can help you feel a bit more at ease and walk in prepared, instead of, well, rather anxious. What we are going to do right now, thus, is talk a bit more about what it is that you should expect from that first therapy session, which is, to explain that right from the start, about building connection, understanding your goals, as well as creating your path forward.
I get that you may be anxious and a bit overwhelmed, especially since you have a problem to deal with and you need to get help, and now you’re entering a completely new situation, with a stranger sitting on the other side and asking you questions. It is no wonder that all of that can feel a bit intimidating. This is why, as mentioned, explaining what it is that you can expect can be rather helpful, and this is why we have chosen to talk about that today in a bit more details. So, keep on reading to find out what you need to know.
A Comfortable and Safe Space
First and foremost, you should expect to get a comfortable and safe space, as that enhances exploration and helps you relax. Whether you are using in-person or online services, a good therapist will know how to make you feel comfortable. And, it is not all about the setting, the chairs and the tables. It is actually about the entire atmosphere and the kindness and an empathetic approach of your therapist, a professional who will know just how difficult it must be for you to embark on this journey for the first time without knowing what to expect.
If you’re not sure whether you should see a therapist, this should help you decide: https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/why-should-i-go-to-therapy-9-signs-its-time-to-see-a-therapist
An Explanation of Therapy and the Therapeutic Approaches
Okay, part of making you comfortable lies in, well, explaining what therapy is and what it is, thus, that you can expect throughout the process. So, great professionals will talk about that in the initial session. They will explain therapy in general, as well as touch on their therapeutic approach, to provide you with a bit more structure and make things far less confusing.
Furthermore, they will talk about the actual structure of the process, the frequency of appointments, as well as the cancellation policies. Then, they will explain confidentiality and its limits, and they will create an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have, so that they can further explain what you want to know. This kind of a conversation is designed so s to establish clarity, but also boost your comfort.
Confidentiality
I have mentioned confidentiality above, and I have to emphasize it here now, just like a good therapist will emphasize it in the initial session. In short, confidentiality is pretty much the cornerstone of therapy. So, the professionals will explain that everything you share will remain private. And then they will also talk about the very few exceptions to that rule, such as risk of harm to yourself or others, suspected child abuse and similar. They will be completely transparent, and that will build trust from the very beginning.
The Opportunity to Share Your Story
Of course, therapy is about you. So, the very first session will also be about you. A great therapist Vancouver will surely take up some time to introduce themselves and explain therapy, boundaries and everything else we have mentioned. But, most of all, they will provide you with an opportunity to share your story right from the very beginning.
Clearly, the majority of the first session will be dedicated to understanding why it is that you have come to therapy in the first place. So, your therapist may ask some questions, such as what brought you here today, how long have you been feeling what you are feeling, what is it that you have tried so far to resolve the problem, what would you like to change and similar. In short, you get a safe space to share your story.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you have to share everything chronologically or perfectly. It is completely normal for your thoughts to be scattered, as well as for you to want to avoid some topics in the very beginning because they are overwhelming you. As mentioned, therapy is about you, so it moves at your pace.
Some Exploration of Your Background and Context
In order to better understand the current challenges that you are dealing with and that you want to talk about, your therapists may ask for some background information. That includes information on your family, your relationships, your work or school life, as well as your medical history and your previous therapy experience. You can expect these kinds of questions in your initial session (find out more about what to expect), as that helps the therapist put things into context and understand you better.
Setting Your Goals
Apart from all of the above, by the end of the first session, your therapist will likely discuss your goals with you. They will ask you what it is that you want to achieve with therapy, and the goals can range from reducing panic attacks to improving communication in your relationships, or processing grief, building self-confidence and similar. In short, your goal can be anything you want it to be, and sharing it in your first session can be helpful, as it will allow the therapist to more easily create a treatment plan for you, as well as to measure your progress over time.