Considering Therapy? Read This.

Article By: Lauren Butler Rosner, LCSW

You may want to try therapy but you’re not sure how it works.This article will give you a general idea of what to expect for your first session and how to get started (this is always the hardest part). 

How do I get started? 

To schedule an appointment with a therapist, you can either call/email the therapist to inquire about availability, you can schedule online through the online scheduling system (if available), or you can request to have a consultation to determine whether you and the therapist are a good match. The good match part is the most important! Every therapist has a different style. You want to choose a therapist with whom you feel safe and with whom you can work through life’s biggest challenges. It may take you a few sessions to determine whether you are a good fit with your therapist. 

First appointment jitters? Here’s what you can expect:

In anticipation of your first session you may experience nervousness, excitement or both. Whatever you feel is ok. Try to allow yourself to be open to whatever it is. Your first session with your therapist can look a few different ways. However, some commonalities among all first sessions are that your therapist will ask you what has brought you to therapy, the history of that issue and what you hope to get out of therapy (Also known as your goals). You and your therapist will discuss important relationships in your life and you will begin to develop a rapport with your therapist. 

You may know exactly what you want to cover in your first session. In that case, your therapist will listen and ask you questions so you can expand as needed. A common worry is that you’re not sure how to use the time. If this is you, your therapist will likely utilize their unique style to guide you through the session with questions. They may suggest that as you think of topics throughout the week that you write them down so you can remember for the next session. Lists can be very helpful since we often forget when the time comes for therapy! 

No topic is off limits: 

Whatever your first session looks like, it is important to remember that therapy is a place where you can talk about ANYTHING. There is nothing that is off limits to talk about - sex, suicide, affairs, your dislike of therapy, whatever it is, it’s ok even if it’s hard. The most important thing is that you find an environment and therapy relationship where you feel safe to talk about the things you need to work through. It’s also a place where you can cry, yell, laugh, scream, etc. 

End of first appointment: 

At the end of your session, your therapist may check-in with you about what this first time together was like. There is no right or wrong answer to this question! You and your therapist will discuss the frequency of sessions and if you would like to set up your next appointment, then you can go ahead and do so. 

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That’s it - now for the most difficult step - go schedule your first appointment! You got this. 

Pennsylvania and New Jersey Therapist

Lauren Butler Rosner is a therapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania offering therapy to residents or Pennsylvania and New Jersey. She supports individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, loss, adjustment to life changes, and/or relationship difficulties. If you believe you are having trouble with any of these subjects Lauren would be happy to meet with you for therapy from the comfort of your home (or wherever you have a private internet connection).