Even though it’s been proven effective, mental health therapy goes unutilized by many people. The reasons for this are many, but in some cases, it is simply because the potential patient is nervous or anxious about what their therapy sessions will entail.

Maybe you are considering therapy for stress, anxiety, or many other reasons, but are not quite ready to make the call. You are in the right place! We are hoping that today’s blog helps ease your fears and guides you towards reaching out.

Here is what happens during a person’s first therapy appointment:

Your Therapist Will Ask You About Your History

Something you should expect at your first therapy appointment is for your therapist to ask you about your past medical and mental health history, however, the first thing they will share is your legal rights and everyone’s responsibilities in the therapeutic relationship. You will have a chance to ask questions and be guided toward more information if needed. Next, the therapist will ask something similar to, “What brings you in today?” Following this inquiry, some questions may include inquiring about your family history, medical history, work history, social relationships, education, and more.

Your history contributes greatly to your mental health and will help your therapist to gain a more thorough understanding of you. It’s important that you answer questions honestly, but you don’t have to divulge everything at the first meeting.

This initial conversation is all about getting to know you and what makes you, you. If you feel uncomfortable answering a question, you are well within your rights to let your therapist know and only answer what you choose.

You’ll Undergo Some Tests or Surveys

Mental health therapy, at times, can involve taking questionnaires. These are done to assess levels of depression or anxiety and will help your therapist better understand you through a quantitative rating. Not every therapist uses these questionaries.

The type of questionnaires you take depends on your therapist and the type of treatment you are receiving. Those seeking trauma therapy might complete different questionnaires than those involved in cognitive behavioral therapy or EMDR therapy, for instance.

You’ll Ask Your Therapist Questions

This is all new to you and your therapist is cognizant of that. As such, during your first therapy appointment, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask your therapist questions.

Whether it’s what to expect in the future, what your therapist’s credentials are, how effective a specific form of therapy is, or anything you’re curious about, it will be welcomed!

Don’t feel awkward about asking questions. Therapy is a place where you should feel free to express yourself in an unfiltered manner.

Therapy in Niceville?

Therapy might be new to you, but that does not mean it has to be scary or intimidating. Your first meeting with a therapist for anxiety, depression, or something else may be uncomfortable but our goal is to make it straightforward and stress reducing to share about your current concerns and past history. From there, you’ll explore solutions to help combat your struggles, and will work with your therapist to work toward healing.

Need stress management therapy, anxiety therapy, or many other mental health concerns in Niceville? Krueger Wellness Institute can help. We take a holistic approach toward mental health, helping our patients with cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, solution focused, EMDR, Gottman Therapy and more.

Contact us now to schedule your first appointment.