How to prepare for your first therapy session

As with any new task, preparation provides confidence – and this is especially true for your first therapy appointment. A little bit of work before your session will put you in great stead to feel better faster. 

First-appointment nerves 

It is entirely normal to be nervous about your first therapy session. You may feel anxious as you consider sharing and exploring thoughts and emotions that are highly personal to you. For many people, the first therapy session is the hardest – not because the session itself is demanding, but because it is an initial step into an unknown situation. Preparing for your therapy appointment is a good way to reduce your anxiety. 

Set Goals for your therapy 

If you’ve booked your first appointment – congratulations! Deciding to attend therapy, finding a therapist and scheduling your first session are all steps on your road to wellness. And these steps do take courage. Your next step is to think about what you wish to achieve through therapy. Take some time to write down what you are feeling and some of the difficulties you are facing. Try to pinpoint what is weighing on you most, then note down some goals you wish to achieve. Be open to goals that promote growth rather than a rigid outcome. These goals written down may seem challenging – but that’s a good thing! – therapy is most effective when you take charge and understand your part, knowing that we’re here to support you on this journey. 

 Remember: Setting goals is great for therapy, but it’s normal to feel unsure or vague about why you’re seeking help. Part of what therapy offers is a clarification of the outcomes you’re seeking – your psychologist will help you build specific, measurable, and achievable goals. 

Calibrate your expectations 

Therapy can be extremely beneficial, but your therapist does not have a magic wand to ‘cure’ you (unfortunately!). At Psychology Outcomes, though, what we do have is an evidence-based therapy approach known as Feedback Informed Treatment (FIT). This individualised, tailored therapy starts with scientifically matching you to the most effective psychologist for your needs. We then work with you to create a therapy plan, build strategies and skills to maintain a healthy and balanced life and to grow your confidence to manage on your own. 

Remember: One therapy session is very unlikely to be ‘enough’. In your first session, we will discuss where you are on your therapy journey – whether at the beginning, middle or near the end – then develop a therapy plan to move you along the path. We do believe, however, that therapy shouldn’t last forever, with most of our clients experiencing significant improvement within the first few therapy sessions. 

Psychology Outcomes in Geelong is a safe space for therapy 

Our psychologists are experts in their field, and they’re eager to help you with whatever challenges you’re facing. In booking your first therapy appointment, you are choosing to put yourself and your mental well-being first, and you should be proud of your decision. 

If you have more questions about your first appointment, our therapy modalities, or how we can help – don’t hesitate to reach out. Email reception@psychologyoutcome.com, phone 0414 232 043 or read our FAQs.