There's nothing new or shameful about going to psychotherapy. If it's your first time, here's what to expect
It's 2021 and we're in the middle of an ongoing global pandemic—there's no longer any shame about going to psychotherapy because at some point we've all probably felt like we needed it. Scientific literature has pointed to the adverse effects of the pandemic on our mental health, and it's done so multiple times. In the United States, resources for psychotherapy are in high demand, and it wouldn't be too far off to say that it's probably like that in the Philippines as well.
It's perfectly normal to feel nervous about going to psychotherapy, especially if it's for the first time. It requires us to be vulnerable in front of a stranger, it takes plenty of effort on our part, and it's also a financial investment for most people. Some may not feel like it's the right choice for them, but for those who believe that it is, consider these tips on what to expect for your first session.
Read more: Why Mental Health Should Be A Holistic Lifestyle Priority
The First Session
The first step to any psychotherapy session is usually all about forms or paperwork. Your doctor or therapist may require you to fill out paperwork asking about your background: family, education, and health status.
These are all completely normal and depending on your doctor, can be long or short. You may feel awkward filling these out as some of them ask very personal questions, but rest assured these are all intended to help your therapist better understand your circumstances. Make sure to answer these as honestly as you can, as these forms give your doctor a basic understanding of your situation and help to frame the approach they will take on your first session.
Pre-pandemic, sessions were held in private clinics or even hospitals. These days, most will be done through online consultations on platforms such as Zoom or Google Hangouts. Some clinics or doctors may even have waitlists, depending on demand. Reach out to your trusted hospitals or healthcare providers to know which psychologists or psychiatrists can best suit your needs. Remember that psychologists cannot prescribe medication, while psychiatrists can.
For many doctors, the first session will usually run about one hour and 30 minutes. After that, sessions usually go for just one hour. The first meeting deals with the preliminaries about your current circumstances and what brought you to psychotherapy. For some patients, it can be awkward. After all, being vulnerable in front of a stranger can feel very uncomfortable. For other patients, there's a sense of lightness after the first session, the feeling of being unburdened.
Sometimes, people may want to seem like they're more in control of their situation than they actually are. In your first session, it's important to be honest and remember that therapists are professionals, they will not judge and will keep everything confidential. There is also no wrong or right way to feel after or during a first session, you may cry, you may get angry, and it's all part of the process.
After the first session, your doctor may require you to return within a month, a few weeks, or just one week. It all depends on your current well-being. They may ask you to fill out more psychological questionnaires before you return, or assign exercises for mindfulness. On some occasions, they may also advise medication. Relate your feelings honestly and openly to your therapist if you feel you are ready for what they suggest. There's nothing wrong with turning something down if you feel you are not ready for it yet.
See also: Wellness Tips 2021: How To Take Control Of Your Mental Health
