After doing your research, you're excited that you found a therapist and have your first appointment scheduled. So, now what? We're sure that you have some questions that didn't come up in your initial consultation - and that's completely normal!
Taking the first step into therapy can be exciting and scary at the same time. As therapists, we've spent our own time in therapy and we totally understand what it's like to sit on the couch in therapy. As a result, we're here to help get you answers so you know exactly what to expect.
What is the first session like? The first session is where you get acclimated with the office, your therapist's office, and the policies and procedures. It's where you go through initial paperwork, talk about what brings you to therapy, and gives time for you to get to know your therapist's style. Much of the first session is information gathering, so you'll be doing much of the talking after the therapist goes through policies and procedures. You can expect to confirm your next appointment at the end of the first session.
What happens after the first session? When you come in for the next session, you can expect to come in with things to talk about. Some therapists will review what's been discussed in the session before while others will dive in and ask you how the week has been going or what you want to talk about. It can be anything - we don't set the agenda!
What if I'm anxious every time I go to therapy? Will the anxiety ever ease up? It's completely normal to feel anxious before going to therapy, especially at the beginning. As you become more comfortable with being in therapy and with your therapist, your anxiety will likely start to subside a bit.
How long does therapy take? There isn't a specific way to answer this question because everyone is coming to therapy with different experiences and goals. Some therapists work in short term increments only (8-12 sessions) while others are more relationship-based and clients typically stay for longer. It really depends on what you're wanting to work on and what's clinically appropriate for your unique situation and needs.
How do I know that therapy is working? There are two answers to this question. You'll know therapy is working if you feel some sense of relief after session that you were able to talk about what's on your mind. Most people report feeling better than when they walked into therapy that day. The second answer is that you may start thinking about things differently or more intently after a session. This is a good sign that you are pushing yourself to think about your situation from more than one perspective, even if it's uncomfortable.
We hope this helps answer some of your questions about what it's like to see a therapist or counselor in Northfield, IL. We are happy to answer any additional questions you have so that you can make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule a free 15-minute phone consult.