A first visit to a psychologist can be a daunting experience! Whether you have had experience of therapy in the past or have never been to a psychologist before, taking that initial step can be stressful and anxiety provoking.
The idea of talking about your innermost thoughts and feelings to a perfect stranger is not a pleasant prospect for many people.
So what will you experience in your first session?
A calm, supportive environment where you will be encouraged to talk about yourself and the issues and problems that may be troubling you. Professional psychologists are trained to listen carefully and attentively and be non-judgemental.
Sessions with a psychologist usually last for an hour to an hour and a half and confidentiality is assured.
Of course every client will experience their counselling or psychotherapy in a different way as all clients and all psychologists are unique individuals.
What has stood out for you in your own experience of counselling and psychotherapy?
More daunting than the first meeting is the admission to yourself that you need help and even then you sit through the first session asking yourself “do I really need this?” It’s not the sessions and most certainly not the psychologist that is scary, it’s what you learn about yourself. So be prepared to look hard in the mirror and be open to face the music! For me it’s been one of the most rewarding and grounding experiences – I believe you can only benefit from taking the plunge, the rest will sort itself out.