Coming along for your first psychology session may feel like a daunting experience, and many people feel nervous and anxious about meeting someone new to discuss the issues they’re seeking help with. This is normal. Having some idea of what to expect can help.
To begin with, the first session you have with your psychologist will be focussed on building a welcoming, comfortable relationship in which you feel supported and safe, whilst your psychologist gathers information about the difficulties you’re currently going through.
When you first arrive you may be given a brief questionnaire to fill out which asks questions about your current mental health. However, your psychologist will also ask questions in your session about your concerns, and what you’re hoping to achieve from attending psychological therapy.
It can be helpful to think about what the challenges that you’re currently facing are, and your goals in attending therapy; in other words, what would you like to work on with your psychologist?
Psychological therapy is a collaboration between you and your psychologist, so they will talk with you about what you feel you need support with, and work with you to help define goals for your sessions together as sessions progress.
As part of your first session your psychologist will also discuss boundaries about confidentiality; psychological therapy is confidential, however there some exceptions to this which your psychologist will discuss with you. If you have any questions about these limits to confidentiality you can always ask, and your psychologist will be happy to clarify things for you.
Most importantly, psychological therapy is an open collaboration between you and your therapist, and they will strive to understand what you’re going through and what may be causing these difficulties, so that you can work together to learn how to manage these challenges in the future.
So whilst the idea of seeking help from a health professional like a psychologist may seem daunting, taking that initial step to start a conversation with a psychologist is ultimately about building a working relationship with some you can trust to listen, try to understand what you’re going through, and help guide you as you process your emotions or work through a challenging situation In life.
If you feel that would benefit from talking with a psychologist, reach out, talk to a GP about organising a referral, and take that first step.
