How to Prepare for a Session With a Therapist

You have finally taken a giant leap towards healing by scheduling a session with a therapist, but now you must prepare yourself. Your first therapy session can be a stressful experience, as you don't know what or even who to expect. A few tips can help to calm your nerves and make your therapy sessions successful starting on day one.

Instructions

• 1

  Make a list of goals you would like to reach as you prepare for your first therapy session. Take this list along with you and read it to yourself before and after each session as a reminder of what you are working towards and how far you have come. You may or may not want to share the list with your therapist. That is completely up to you.

• 2

  Consider your therapist a new friend, as she will listen like a perfect friend. Your sessions will be times that you are free to discuss anything and everything without the fear of being judged or the entire world finding out. Inside your therapists office is probably the safest place you could ever be in, so think forward to your session as a comfort, a place to let go and an opportunity to bond with another human being.

• 3

  Recognize that as not all friends are compatible, not all therapists are compatible either. If you don't feel that you will be able to bond or open up with your therapist, simply tell the truth and look for someone else. The most important thing is your comfort and your health, and a good therapist will recognize that he is not the right therapist for everyone.

• 4

  Be aware that breaking the ice and getting to know one another will take some time. While you may feel some immediate relief just being able to speak openly with someone, it is important to have realistic expectations. Therapy is not a miracle cure that will fix you after one or two sessions, so have patience with yourself and the process.

• 5

  Open yourself mentally for whatever the conversation might bring. Therapists are trained to help you discover what is going on in your mind, and these may not necessarily be obvious things to you in the present moment. When you prepare for each session, try to avoid planning the conversation in your head. While you may have some topic ideas, try not to force the conversation, script your thought and ideas or guide the discussion as it can impede your true healing.