It's Okay to Ask for Help

If you have recently decided that now might be the time to give therapy a try, you may be somewhat nervous about your first appointment. It is understandable to feel a little antsy about the situation as it is unfamiliar and new to you. However, you do not have to be scared or worried about going to therapy. In fact, it could be one of the best things you have ever done for yourself. To help ease your nerves, get to know a little bit about what you can expect from your first therapy appointment. Then, you can feel better prepared as you head into your first session.

Be Prepared to Answer What Led You to Make the Appointment

One of the first questions your therapist will ask you is what brought you to therapy. Answer as honestly and as thoroughly as possible when you are asked this question. If you have been feeling depressed, for example, describe what you have been feeling in detail. Talk about any recent events that may have led you to come in for an appointment. 

The more information you give to this initial question, the more guidance your therapist will have in directing the session and figuring out what is going to work best to help you through these issues. 

Plan on Answering a Lot of Questions

The initial session in therapy is always the one in which your therapist will ask you the most questions. They are trying to get to know you and get enough background on your situation to develop a treatment plan and program. As such, plan on answering a lot of questions about yourself and your mental health and overall health history. 

Your therapist will ask about your mental health past, your health conditions, your family history, your childhood, your job, your friends and other relationships, etc. All of this information helps them to get a more complete picture of who you are, areas you want to work on, and what therapeutic methods may be best for you and your needs. 

Expect to Feel Relieved and Tired Afterwards

When it comes to the first session of therapy, there are often two ways a person feels. One is relieved to get all of that off of their chests and to finally have someone to listen to them. The second is tired. Some people even describe the aftereffects of therapy like an emotional hangover. You may just feel absolutely worn down.

That is okay, though. You just unburdened yourself of a lot of trauma, trouble, and history. Drudging all of that up can be a little exhausting and can even make you feel a little rough after therapy. Don't worry about it and don't take this as a sign that therapy won't work for you. It is completely normal and will not happen every time you go in for a session. In fact, that feeling will start to get better overall the more sessions you have. 

Now that you know more about going to your first therapy appointment, you can feel less nervous about the prospect. Find a therapist in your area like those at Rinehart Institute.