Q: I am considering going to therapy, but I have never been before. How can I know what to expect and if it will help me?
A: I commend you for doing something good for yourself and your mental health. Start by being proud of yourself for wanting to take this step towards your own happiness and resiliency.
Often people who have never been in therapy will shy away from it out of fear or uncomfortable feelings. The truth is that everyone can benefit from talk therapy no matter what they are going through in life. It is a way to process your feelings, spend time focusing on yourself, and set goals for your wellbeing.
You may have the opportunity to have a phone screening with your therapist first. If so, take advantage and use this as a time to ask your questions and get a feel for how the therapist interacts with you, and if you think it will be a good fit. Do not be discouraged if the first person you speak to is not the right match for you. Be your own best advocate and find a person who you feel comfortable with and is a good fit for your needs.
Many therapists are now only offering services over telehealth video platforms. Consider this as an option to expand your ability to find a therapist available now to see you. With the video option you can still build a rapport and get the same benefits from therapy from the comfort of your own home.
Your therapist will most likely ask you to complete forms ahead of time to provide some basic information about yourself and your reason for going to therapy. Sometimes these forms include surveys to assess your feelings.
In the first session there will be standard assessment questions. This usually starts with asking what brings you to therapy. Prepare yourself ahead of time by thinking about the reason you want to have therapy now, and what you hope to gain from it. Talking about your goals will be part of the process, but spending some time thinking this through will ensure you get the most from your time.
Think of how it feels to share your troubles with a friend. It is cathartic, it helps us process our feelings, and it often guides us in our next steps. With a therapist you get many of those benefits, but with some differences that are key to success.
You can share without fear of judgement, or of anyone else finding out. Therapists have training to be an objective listener. They can validate and support your feelings while also challenging you to grow and think about things in a different way. They are there to help guide you, but you are in charge of the decisions you make. It is not a therapist’s role to tell you what to do.
Perhaps you are going through a difficult transition time, like retirement or a move, and you want a chance to talk it through to help decide on your next steps and create a fulfilling next chapter. Or, you may be dealing with grief of loved one’s passing. Or, perhaps you are caring for a loved one and want therapy as an outlet to express your feelings and process them so you can find coping skills in your day to day life. These are all great reasons to consider therapy.
You may realize that in your lifetime there has been trauma or unresolved issues and you are ready to examine them and find a way to move forward.
Whatever is pushing you towards therapy, listen to it and allow yourself this time to build your coping skills and resiliency. We all deserve to be the best version of ourselves and sometimes that means reaching out for a little support.
