by Morticia Alexander

Created on: July 17, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

So you have decided that you wish to see a psychologist. You have gotten a referral to a therapist, you have made your appointment, you have filled out the necessary insurance information, now what? What should you expect once you get in your therapist's office?

Unlike your general practitioner's office, your therapist's office will not be like a standard doctor's office at all. His or her office will be a relaxed environment. Instead of an examining table and multiple drawers filled with various doses of medication, his or her room will be equipped with a comfortable chair and-or couch for you to sit on. Therapist's offices are very rarely intimidating at all. They try to create a relaxed and safe environment in which you can make the progress that you need.

Your first session will be an interview session, more or less. Your therapist may take a minute or two to introduce him or herself, talk about his or her specific approach to psychotherapy, and talk about his or her experience. Then he or she will ask you about what brought you to therapy. Maybe you have been showing signs of depression. Maybe your marriage is struggling and you are interested in couple's therapy. Or maybe you are simply need someone to talk to who is empathetic and understanding. After you tell him or her the basics of why you are there, he or she may ask questions more specific to your situation. For example, if you are showing signs of depression, your therapist may ask you about any self-harm you are engaging in, eating habits, thoughts of suicide, etc.

During this time, it is helpful for you to consider whether this therapist is a good fit for you or not. Therapy will not be very productive or helpful to you without having a therapist with whom you are comfortable. Now, do not expect to feel like this person is as close as your best friend from the first session. Like any relationship in life, a therapeutic relationship is one that takes time to develop. What you want to assess here is simply if you feel like the therapist's style is right for you, and if it is someone that you feel you can make progress with.

If time provides, you may be able to dive a little deeper into some of the issues that brought you to therapy. Again, you are not going to leave the room with the answer to the meaning of life in your first session, but some minor work may be able to be done.

As you near the end of your session, your therapist will discuss how you feel that things went, and if you wish to make another appointment with him or her. If you feel like you have found a good match, then another appointment will be made; however, if this therapist just is not the one, do not feel bad about saying no. Remember: this is your therapy. What is important is that your needs are being met. If this therapist is not a good fit, then you can start the process again and find another therapist.

Just a few reminders about therapy: it is not uncommon for your therapist to take notes during your first session. In the event that you do decide to return for another appointment, it is beneficial for him or her to have the foundation of what you need to work on in therapy. It is also good to remember that, despite the common misconception, your therapist is not there to judge you. In fact, therapists aim to create a nonjudgmental environment in which you can progress and work effectively.

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