If you’re considering making an appointment for your first therapy session, know that you’re not alone. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 American adults experiences mental illness. In addition, research shows that most adults report experiencing significant stress or a major life event each year, highlighting how common it is to need extra support at different points throughout your life. 

Deciding to meet with a mental health professional is an important step towards mental wellness. Whether it’s your first time in counseling or you’re meeting with a new therapist, what happens at your first therapy session can seem like a mystery before you attend. To kick off Mental Health Awareness month, the Behavioral Health & Wellness team here at JFS wants to debunk some myths around that first appointment so you can feel confident walking in.

Once you’ve decided to meet with a mental health professional, your first appointment is about creating a space where you feel safe, respected, and heard as you begin this process. It’s an opportunity to for you to get to know your therapist, and for them to get to know you at a pace that feels comfortable. This is also an opportunity for you to get to know your counselor, too. Feel free to ask them questions about how they approach therapy or broach any other concerns you may have. 

At your first appointment, you’ll likely review your intake paperwork with your counselor to make sure they understand your needs. This may include them asking why you’ve chosen to come to counseling, and what you feel some of your needs are. It can feel hard to open up to someone that you’ve never met before, and that’s ok! You can share as much as you’re comfortable with at your first appointment, and can even tell the counselor if you’re feeling intimidated by the process. What you say in therapy is confidential, unless your counselor believes that you may hurt yourself or others, or that a child or older adult is in danger. In the overwhelming majority of circumstances, your concerns will not leave the room where counseling takes place.

Your counselor will also probably ask you about goals that you have for your time in therapy. Counseling is a collaborative process, incorporating these goals into the plan that the therapist creates. No two treatment plans are exactly the same, meaning that your discussions and the combination of strategies you and  your counselor discuss are unique and tailored to fit your needs.

“Going to therapy is having your own person to talk through things, help you find the answers you may already know, and can support you through identifying goals and making a plan for how to reach them”, says Stacey Schmid, Director of Clinical Services at JFS.

Many of us will seek help from a counselor at some point in our lives to navigate transitions, understand our emotions, reach new goals, or meet another personal need. Initial therapy appointments lay the groundwork for your work with your counselor by providing time for you to get to know each other, for them to understand your needs, and for you to outline some of your goals. Your journey is unique, and therapy can be a wonderful tool to navigate twists and turns along life’s pathway. 

If you’re finding yourself searching for more ways to manage your stress or anxiety, click the button below to learn more about therapy at JFS. We’re here to help.