What to expect in your first therapy session?

What to expect in your first therapy session?
Written By: Counselling Psychologist
M.Sc. Psychology - Swansea University, UK.
Reviewed By: Counselling Psychologist
MA Psychology Pennsylvania State University, USA
Last Updated: 16-03-2023

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First therapy session

The first step is, to make up your mind to come and seek help, this step can be overwhelming for many. You should be proud of yourself and appreciate your strength! Perhaps you re thinking about starting treatment but unsure about where and how to start.

Many hold misconceptions about therapy and the first step towards therapy is usually the hardest. This can be due to not having the knowledge of what takes place in a therapy session and how it works.

This article will help you understand how the very first online therapy session will look like.

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Below is a breakdown of a typical first online therapy session.

Confidentiality

The therapist will explain you the HIPAA compliance & confidentiality clause whilst assuring you that the conversations are completely safe and secure between the two of you. Once you agree and understand the clause, the official bit is over.

Introduction

A good chunk of the session will surround this area where the online therapist asks general demographic questions to you. The therapist also asks you things they need to keep in mind in order to address you and make you comfortable. The therapist may begin to ask more in-depth questions to get around the chief concern that brings you in for therapy.

Some example introductory questions can be like:

  • What are your living conditions currently?
  • What is your relationship status right now?
  • Have you been to therapy before?
  • Is there a history of mental health issues in your family?

Understanding current situation

The therapist then starts to question your symptoms/concerns you are facing. You may then slowly find yourself explaining the background of your concerns or issues that you have. The therapist will be carefully listening to you and making notes of key points.

Conclusion

As the first online therapy session comes to an end, the therapist will repeat your issues in a brief manner touching the main areas of improvement/treatment. He/she will then explain you the process of the plan of treatment and allow you to ask any questions you may have. He/she will also tell you that the treatment plan currently discussed may change as therapy progresses. There may be a small homework/therapy work he/she may give you until the next session.

Checking in with yourself after your first online counselling and therapy session is the most crucial thing you can do. Make sure you know that there is no such thing as being treated in the first session itself, you may feel a little better or relieved after your first online session, but your symptoms won t go right away. Make a note of booking your next session as soon as you can to get your preferred slot for the online session.

 

WANT TO GO FOR ONLINE THERAPY?

HopeQure’s health services uses a HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform. If you ve chosen to pursue online counseling. Our therapists serve both adults, adolescents, and elderly. You can access the services, programs , and webinars at our site, regardless of where you live. To schedule a online session for you or a loved one Click Here

We wish you a fruitful therapy session!

 

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