What to Expect at Your First Anxiety Therapy Appointment at Partners in Change Therapy and Consulting, LLC
You made it through the consultation and took the leap to schedule your first session. Now what?
Going to your first anxiety therapy session can be… anxiety provoking. That’s completely normal. Whether you’re meeting with a mental health therapist for the first time or returning after a break, knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared and comfortable.
Let’s break down what a first session and how to get the most out of your experience.
What Do You Need to do before your First Session?
Before your appointment, you’ll complete intake paperwork through the electronic medical record system. This paperwork reviews important practice policies, confidentiality, and consent forms.
Take your time reading through everything and don’t hesitate to ask questions before signing. Understanding the policies ahead of time can help you feel more informed and comfortable starting therapy.
What Should You Prepare for Your First Session?
You do not need to prepare perfectly for therapy. But jotting down a few notes head of time can help if you mind tends to go blank when someone asks, “So what brings you in?”
It may be helpful to:
Note the medications you are currently taking or have taken in the past
Jot down the situations, stressors, or symptoms that have been challenging lately
Think about what you hope will feel different because of therapy.
Write down any questions you have for your therapist.
What Happens During an Intake Session for Anxiety?
Every therapist works a little differently, but a first anxiety therapy session often includes:
Introductions and Identification
Because therapy is a healthcare service, your therapist will verify your identity at the beginning of the session. Make sure to have your ID ready.
Reviewing Paperwork and Confidentiality
We’ll review important policies, confidentiality, HIPAA laws, and mandated reporting requirements. These conversations are part of ethical and legal requirements- not because anyone assumes you’ve done anything wrong. This is a chance to ask questions and better understand how therapy works.
Talking About What Brings You to Therapy
Once all of the logistics are out of the way, we’ll begin talking about what’s been weighing on you and what you hope to get from anxiety therapy.
Some questions may include:
How has anxiety been affecting your daily life?
How are you sleeping?
What support systems do you have?
What would help you know therapy is working?
Remember: You are always in control of what you share and when. Only share what you are comfortable with- we will have more time to talk in the future.
A Gentle Reminder
Your first therapy session is about getting to know each other- not telling your entire life story perfectly. We will check in about pace, comfort, and how the session is feeling for you along the way. Part of therapy is learning to speak up for what you need, and we will start practicing this right at the beginning!
If you’re looking for anxiety therapy in Connecticut, Partners in Change Therapy and Consulting, LLC offers in-person therapy in Southington, CT and online therapy across Connecticut and Massachusetts. You can schedule a free 20 minute consultation, so we can talk about what’s going on and what kind of support might feel helpful- now or in the future.
Your Questions, Answered
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Ask! It is so important to ask questions before signing paperwork. You can reach out before the session or bring questions to your first session.
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Only if it is helpful for you! Some people may write down a few notes before their first appointment and others prefer to just show up. Whatever you decide, remember you get to set the pace and do what feels best for you.
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You don’t have to! Therapist have some questions they have to ask- it doesn’t mean you have to share everything in the first session. If you aren’t comfortable, just let your therapist know.
