top of page
Search

Things to do before your first therapy session


White card with "Things to do before your first therapy session" text. Card placed on a gray surface, next to dried plant and wooden stick. Minimalist design.

Please read my earlier blog titled: How to select a mental health therapist for yourself?


Preparing for your first therapy session can help you make the most out of your time with your therapist. Here are some some things you can do to help you prepare for your first therapy session:


  1. Reserve time:

Hand circles "7" on a calendar with a blue pen. White objects beside it. Purple background sets a calm mood.

When deciding on a time slot, ensure you are taking into consideration travel time if you are opting for in-person therapy, and a buffer of 30 minutes. The buffer time is to safeguard against the therapist's previous session running late, or you running late due to something. But this time is mostly to ensure that you have a breather before or after your session.



  1. Note your concerns and expectations from Therapy:

You may have decided to start therapy because of an episode or event which led you to seek help. Jot down your thoughts and feelings associated with the event. 

It might help your therapist and you to uncover certain patterns of behaviour.


Ponder over what you are expecting to achieve from therapy. This will help your therapist to tailor their approach to support you. At the same time, your therapist will also be able to help you understand if your expectations are unrealistic.




  1. Informed consent form:

The therapist will send you an informed consent form to read over and sign. It will have information about the therapist’s education and work experience, therapy process, confidentiality, exceptions to confidentiality, payment information.




  1. Past history:

Note down past history related to- medical, family, and personal history that you can recall. For e.g. medication prescribed, past diagnoses, history of illnesses in the family, past experiences of seeking therapy.









  1. Ensure you are not on an empty stomach:

First few therapy sessions can get draining because of accessing memories or intense emotions. Hence, before you join your therapy session, ensure you are not hungry, and are well-hydrated. 


  1. Have a few things at hand: 

If you are joining an online therapy session, ensure that you are sitting in a chair with a good back support and preferably an armrest. Have drinking water, handkerchief or tissues at hand. 

If you have opted for in-person therapy, reach a few minutes before time to get yourself comfortable in the new surroundings. Carry a small snack to eat post your session.






The first couple of sessions are for your therapist and you to get to know each other. Unlike painkillers, you will not see instant improvement in your mental health. Try to be patient with yourself and your new therapist. Give yourself a few sessions to decide if it’s working out or not.


Curious to know more about my therapy approach?
Head over to the About Me section to learn how I work and what you can expect. If you're ready to begin, you can use the Book a Session page to get in touch—I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s take that first step together.

Next blog- What to expect in your first therapy session?




Photo credits


Comments

bottom of page