What usually happens at your first therapy session
During our first session, you will be asked to fill out intake paperwork, which we will go over together. This will include informed consent, confidentiality criteria, and fees/cancellation information.
The first session is also an opportunity for you to interview me to see if my approach and personality is going to work for you. Having a good fit with your therapist is important. Please feel free to ask questions regarding my training and work experience anytime during your appointments.
Sometimes, it is difficult to identify or explain what may be bothering you. Listed below are a few ideas which may help:
Resolve conflicts with your partner or someone else in your life
Relieve anxiety or stress due to work or other situations
Cope with major life changes, such as divorce, the death of a loved one or the loss of a job
Learn to manage unhealthy reactions, such as road rage or passive-aggressive behavior
Come to terms with an ongoing or serious physical health problem, such as diabetes, cancer or long-term (chronic) pain
Recover from physical or sexual abuse or witnessing violence
Cope with sexual problems, whether they’re due to a physical or psychological cause
Sleep better, if you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep (insomnia)
Getting the most out of psychotherapy
Listed below are steps to take for receiving the most out of your therapy and help make it a success.
Approach therapy as a partnership. Therapy is most effective when you’re an active participant and share in decision-making. Make sure you and your therapist agree about the major issues and how to tackle them. Together, you can set goals and measure progress over time.
Be open and honest. Success depends on willingness to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences, and to consider new insights, ideas and ways of doing things. If you’re reluctant to talk about certain issues because of painful emotions, embarrassment, or fears about your therapist’s reaction, let your therapist know.
Stick to your treatment plan. If you feel down or lack motivation, it may be tempting to skip psychotherapy sessions. Doing so can disrupt your progress. Try to attend all sessions and to give some thought to what you want to discuss.
Don’t expect instant results. Working on emotional issues can be painful and may require hard work. You may need several sessions before you begin to see improvement.
If psychotherapy isn’t helping, talk to your therapist. If you don’t feel that you’re benefiting from therapy after several sessions, talk to your therapist about it. You and your therapist may decide to make some changes or try a different approach that may be more effective. http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/psychotherapy/home/ovc-20197188