New to Therapy?

The process of therapy can be really intimidating. Where do we even begin? Plus, there are a ton of logistical questions! You might find yourself having different answers from Google or from friends. This post can help clarify some questions that you may have. 

How do I prepare for a therapy session?

This is a question that you might be continuing to think about. Once you’ve taken care of all the paperwork, there really isn’t much to do to prepare. What I recommend is to start thinking about all (or some) of the reasons that brought you to therapy. It can help your therapeutic process a lot better if you share what is not working so well in your life. 

Another thing to think about is goals. Ask yourself questions such as “What do I want out of this?” or “How will I know that therapy is working? What would be different in my life?” If this is hard to answer, think about what you would like to have, or what you would want to feel 3 weeks from now, 3 months from now, and 3 years from now. Whenever we dive into any work on ourselves. It is important to have a goal so we can use it as an anchor whenever we lose focus. Have it written down in your journal, ask your friend or therapist to remind you. Most of the therapy really is a ton of “invisible” work. Only you, your therapist, (and maybe a few close friends) know about your progress because it is all happening within. Oftentimes, we feel worse before we feel better. So reminding yourself of your goal can be fuel to keep momentum on the work you started.

What should I expect from a therapist? 

Just like any other career, therapists have a wide range of personalities, styles, and techniques. You have to choose the one who is right for you. How do you know? One helpful thing to keep in mind is to think about the best way you learn and how you receive feedback. Some people do really well with candid discussions. Others like directives. Or you might really like someone who tells you the truth in a gentle manner. The important thing is that you understand what’s yours. 

For those of you wondering, I take the role of a nurturer. Since I work with a lot of people who have experienced trauma, I prioritize that your space be a place of healing. Because of the work I do with high-achieving black professionals, I also give a lot of direction on skills that I think would best suit your needs. Everyone is different. The one piece of advice I will give you is to find a therapist with whom you can feel comfortable sharing your secrets with. The relationship you have with your therapist will be the most valuable ingredient in your healing. Everyone is not for everyone. 

What should I expect on my first session?

For the first session, your therapist will most likely talk about confidentiality and some guidelines they have about their specific practice. After that, it will most likely be a question-and-answer portion on what brings you in, your goals, and important information about your history. 

Some of the questions may include mental health history of your family, questions about your job, or the important relationships in your life. Your therapist may ask about significant life events, ones that are extremely memorable. There may be a conversation around what you enjoy and what your strengths are. Depending on your therapist, you might even get some homework to help you in between sessions. 

Just remember that most new things we try and uncomfortable because they’re uncomfortable. Talking so a stranger about things you many not even said out loud. Just remember, your therapist is the one person that is not here to judge, but here to understand you. 

To learn more about ways to take care of your mental health, contact Camille at camille@diversifiedtherapyla.com