Things to Know Before Your First Therapy Appointment...

Things to Know Before Your First Therapy Appointment…

Reblog if you or someone you know could use this!

Don’t Overthink It – Yes, easy to say, but hard to do. But, just know that they are there to help you. If the office is at a place where you don’t often go, make sure that you drive around that area a few days in advance to make sure that you know how to get there and where to park. This will help with anxiety and extra stress that will lead up to the appointment.
They Won’t Judge You – They want to help you to get better. They are ~~most likely very~~ experienced so they won’t be surprised about anything you tell them, compared to any friends or family you’ve already vented to. And they might even say that as you’re talking to them, that what you’re saying is very common and that you’re not the only one.

Try to Think of some main points – if you one of those people who are nervous about opening up to a stranger or you don’t know how to formulate your emotions into words; try several days or even weeks in advance to work out the most important themes about you. Like, what are the biggest events that’s happened in your life that might’ve had an effect on you emotionally or certain emotions or behaviors that you have caught yourself feeling or doing over the past few weeks, months, or years. This can really help the therapist assess your situation and what you need to improve.
Limit What Your Main Points Are – If you’re like me, once you find someone who understands you tend to talk a lot and gush about everything that could they could possibly need to know. Try to figure out a plotline in your head that will give them a good amount of information about yourself, about what’s most important to know right now, and hold off on most of the details. Yes, the details could be important, though, most appointments are only about an hour long, so you need to ration out certain things and know that eventually, you’ll be able to talk about it with them. If you’re so anxious about forgetting about some certain details, then get a notebook or type it up on a digital device your own story either in paragraphs (like a story) or like an outline or a mindmap or whatever feels best for you.
Have an Open Mind – Know that they’re trying to help you, even if that means coaxing you outside of your shell a little. Try not to be completely closed to ideas like going to the doctor to get a physical and bloodwork done, or to try meditation or medication. Know that there are many ways to treat mental and emotional problems! Communication is KEY to progress
Your First Doctor/Therapist Doesn’t have to be the ONLY Person You See Ever – The connection between the patient and the therapist is important. It is completely okay if you feel like they aren’t really for you, on your level, or if they assume too much of you, or if things just aren’t working out. The first private therapist that I ever went to asked me, during our first and only session, “So, what kind of therapy do you think you should have?” That was the first red flag I got, and I didn’t even realize that a question like that was very bad until I relapsed again after I got to college, I was venting to a University therapist and they sorta got offended that the previous therapist actually asked me that… lol. You could even go to your college or medical doctor and ask them for help with finding some good therapists that would work with your insurance.
Don’t Forget to Bring Things YOU Need – These things you NEED can include: Your ID or Driver’s Licence ~~you might have to check with the office to see whether you NEED a driver’s license or if you can use any ID~~, your Insurance Card. Things you might need can include: a sweater if it’s cold in the office ~~which is common~~, some water to stay hydrated, a folder ~~is not a priority to have but if this is your first appointment, it’s likely that you’ll be given many informational papers to keep n take home~~.