Embarking on a journey of emotional healing and self-growth through therapy can be both exciting and intimidating. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more of yourself when you first meet the working therapist/counsellor/psychologist, at times even alleviate some anxiety, and set off a positive therapeutic experience. Let us take a closer look at what typically happens in the first mental health therapy session.
Starting the First Mental Health Therapy Session
The first mental health therapy session is often known as an intake session or initial assessment session. As the meeting starts, you are welcomed by a supportive practitioner who provides you with a non-judgmental environment for you to talk about your experiences and reasons for seeking therapy. You can completely be yourself.
Sharing about yourself
After the introductions, the working therapist/psychologist/counsellor would invite you to share about your background and confronting difficulties. This can include discussing about your current issues and challenges, past experiences, mental health history, etc. You may share as much as, or as little as you feel comfortable with. The working therapist/psychologist would ask clarifying questions in a sensitive manner to get a deeper understanding of your challenges and aspirations.
Don't forget that this session is not a do-it-all time for you to have everything explained. Sharing takes time, and your therapist/psychologist would guide you through the process of exploration throughout time.
(Optional or if Necessary) Assessment
At times we may need to have a longer assessment procedure, e.g. using tests, to help us understand about your situation.
Some of the common examples of depression and anxiety tests are PHQ9 and GAD7. Most of them are screening tests and do not provide you with a formal diagnosis.
Establishing Goals and Expectations
As the understanding on your challenges and aspirations unfold, together you and the working professional identify key areas where therapy can be the most helpful or not. You will become clearer about what you hope to achieve.
It is also important that at this time, you can clarify questions or uncertainties you may have. The therapist/psychologist listens to you and empowers you to ensure this discussion remains a collaborative approach, and you continue to feel being on the same page.
End of Session and Next Steps
Towards the end of the first session, you and your therapist/psychologist may discuss the next steps. This might include scheduling follow-up sessions, exploring additional resources, or agreeing on strategies to begin working on your goals.
You can check in with the working therapist/psychologist what you need to do to prepare for future sessions. Some common questions are about length of therapy, frequency of therapy sessions, and length of each session. In general, a short term therapy/coaching lasts for 6 sessions; longer therapy/coaching lasts between 3 months, to a year or above (I have worked with individuals for up to 3 years). In some cases your sessions may run differently accordingly to your specific needs, such as having 1.5 hours per session, or deciding on having a session once in 2 or 3 weeks. Do prepare around 10 minutes to explore these options with your working therapist/psychologist.
By now, you will feel more certain about your needs with the working therapist/psychologist, and identify whether therapy with this professional is suitable for you.
Ending Remarks
The first mental health therapy session is an important starting point for you to address your difficulties and starting your work towards healing and self-improvement. We hope this article helps you set up your expectation and some idea about what the first session is, and how we run it.
Remember, therapists/psychologists are here to give you a safe space to navigate your life at your own pace, for you to explore your internal thoughts and feelings without judgment.
It is important that you feel supported, respected and trusted in this process. A key to a successful therapy is the power of a strong therapeutic relationship with your therapist/psychologist. We send you the sincere wishes in your start of therapy with confidence and embrace the powerful self-journey ahead.
(Chinese Translation completed by Louis Leung.)
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