For many people, the first therapy session is quite frightening. Let’s take a closer look at what happens during this first meeting!
Although therapy has become something quite ordinary for people to talk about, to some others a single visit is the source of dread and anxiety. Quite often the reason we suffer so much is that we resist change.
Why? Because change is painful. It requires a lot from us, to shift into different habits, different thinking patterns and it generally requires that we do a lot of work with our own selves. That is why we linger going to the therapist.
Because we’re just too unsure of the amount of work we ought to ourselves, to finally be able to move on from something or towards something.
Lucky are the ones who decide to simply push the fear away and do it. Lucky, because there is no greater feeling than having someone encourage you, make you aware of your worth, accomplishments and strengths.
Not all therapists are able to make you feel like this, I know. There are diverse ones that use techniques that may not work well for all people – but it’s important that you continue your search until you find the right person to unfold your feelings to.
Once you have, here are a few things you can expect to happen during your first therapy session.
You Will Be Anxious
If you’re feeling intense, anxious and uncomfortable – it is totally ok. Therapy sessions are usually like this until you get a bit more comfortable with your therapist.
At first, it will feel like you’re being exposed to a professional, who looks at you deeply with an intense spark of curiosity.
Slowly this feeling will begin to fade away, and you will manage to create a bond with your therapist that is based on appreciation and respect. You will see his curiosity as helpful and as a part of your healing.
You Will Ask Yourself “What Am I Doing Here?”
Especially if you went to the therapist while having second thoughts. Some people tend to think that they have all the answers for themselves and that they don’t need someone telling them what to feel and where the problem lies. “We know we’re our own trouble” they say, however they’re still not sure what to do to get out of their own way.
That is where the role of a therapist comes in, however, once you start talking, you will often wonder if therapy will work out for you or not at all.
Take a chance on it and give yourself time, before jumping into conclusions.
Introductory Part
The way therapists develop their first interviews might change from one professional to another, however, what you may generally expect is that the first session will be about introducing one another.
The therapist will try to gather bits of your lifestyle, will try to find out about whom you interact with on a daily basis, the people that mean most to you and make up your whole day, your job, routine and other details.
Somewhere along the questions and answers, he or she will probably ask you: what is the main reason that brought you here?
I’m sure you won’t blank out, as we’re all living human beings, and sadly, there’s always something bothering our general well-being.
Intense Crying
Sometimes we know exactly what is causing us sadness or why we are unable to rest, however, when we’re brought to the position that we have to say the problem out loud – we burst into tears.
Crying is absolutely normal in your first session (during your upcoming ones too). You will notice how your therapist will advise you not to refrain from your tears, and to actually process your feelings, one step at a time.
Personally, for me this was a huge relief, as during our entire lives we are taught to hide or hold our tears.
Feelings Of Self-Care & Tenderness
When you finish your first therapy session, and your crying has stopped – you will probably experience the tenderness of your therapist.
He or she will give you some insights to focus on your strengths, your feelings, to center them and treat them with care.
And when you leave, you will feel slightly lighter, acknowledging and congratulating yourself for taking a step forward towards the long path of getting to know yourself, and accepting yourself!
More on therapy here:
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