What to expect in your first sessions
“How did I get here?”
“I don’t even know where to start.”
“I can’t do it on my own. As much as I hate to admit it, I need help.”
These are all statements I’ve heard from clients in their first sessions. Honestly, they’re things I thought to myself when I realized that I was in over my head in life and began therapy.
As a clinical psychologist, the daily practice of sitting with others in sessions is a place of ease, enjoyment, and comfort. But when the roles are reversed and you’re the one seeking psychotherapy, it can feel very different.
The majority of clients I meet with express some form of apprehension, ambivalence, or skepticism about starting therapy and the psychotherapeutic process.
I want to emphasize: This. Is. Normal.
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not. Even when people have previous experience with therapy return, the same feelings can arise.
Why the first step is the hardest
“I believe that, for many people, the hardest part of therapy is setting up the first session and working up the courage to walk through the door.”
If you wait to feel “ready to start” therapy before you go, the likelihood is you won’t ever begin.
But knowing what to expect can make the process less daunting.
So here are a few pieces of wisdom from my experience, both as a psychologist and a client, that I hope are helpful if you are considering starting therapy:
The relationship you have with your therapist is fundamental to success in treatment.
John and Julie Gottman, two psychologists famous for their work on couples therapy, propose that the structure of healthy relationships rest on a foundation a few elements: trust, honesty, respect, open communication, effort, and collaboration.
These qualities apply just as strongly to psychotherapy.
A sense of safety is necessary to explore the parts of our lives that feel vulnerable. As a client, therapy should be experienced as a collaborative process, where you can express your thoughts and feelings openly.
Ultimately, the therapeutic relationship is intended to model a healthy relationship. It’s a place where old patterns play out without judgment, making space for new ways of being to emerge and develop.
Take home message
Beginning therapy often feels overwhelming. But remember: nervousness, ambivalence, or doubt about psychotherapy is part of the process, not a sign that you’re doing something wrong. The hardest part is simply beginning.
If you’re considering psychotherapy in California or Florida, our team at PsychPro is here to support you. Schedule a complimentary consultation call to learn more about what to expect and how therapy might help you take your next step forward.
Schedule an appointment here or call (619) 693-8327.
