All psychotherapy sessions are critical, but the first ones are the most important for you. It is during the first few couples of sessions that you and your psychotherapist develop rapport. This rapport will then determine not just if you will go back for another session but if you will also continue to seek therapy in the first place.
While it is only normal to feel awkward about talking about your problems with a stranger, your gut feelings will let you determine right from the get-go if the relationship will work or not.
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Starting on the Wrong Foot is Possible
It may sometimes take several sessions with several therapists first before you can finally meet someone who makes you feel comfortable enough. Make sure you remember this possibility before you go to your first psychotherapy session.
If you don’t feel any rapport with the therapist, don’t hesitate to inform them that the two of you just don’t click. A good counselor will only want the best for you, and sometimes, they will even be more than happy to recommend another professional you can work with.
Trust is a Must
Trusting your counselor is one of the most critical aspects of psychotherapy. It determines your willingness to collaborate and share your healing process.
It often takes several sessions to establish trust but generally speaking, you will be more inclined to trust someone who seems genuine and listens, supports, and understands you with no judgment.
It’s Your Right to Ask Things from the Get-go
The first session is also the time when you clarify what psychotherapy is all about, together with your goals and expectations. It is also when the counselor should also inform you of the techniques, tools, and methods to be used. Your counselor is also responsible for giving you a statement of Informed Consent.
A Matter of Diagnosis
Be sure to discuss with your psychotherapist whether a diagnosis will benefit you or not. Your first-hand participation throughout both the decision-making and diagnostic process is the best thing you can do to reduce your anxiety about the things and information that will be stated in your records.
Professionalism Means Caring
A professional and ethical psychotherapist will take the time they spend with you intently and seriously. The best psychotherapists show up right on schedule, hold the session during the allotted minutes or hours, and pay full attention to you and no one else from beginning to end. You might want to look elsewhere if your psychotherapist takes unimportant calls during the session with you.
Grow and Be Better with Psychotherapy
At the end of the day, the first and most important thing to remember is that psychotherapists don’t change you. Instead, they help you change your life and become a master of it. They don’t provide solutions to your problems. They help you know yourself better so you can make better choices that will then lead to a better life.
