Feeling nervous about your first therapy session? You’re not alone. Knowing what to expect can make the process clearer and more comfortable.
It is common to feel anxious about attending your first therapy appointment and our friendly team endeavours to make the process as clear and smooth as possible.
Once you reach out to us for psychological services we do our best to match you with the most suitable therapist.
An initial consultation session will be booked, along with 2 to 3 further sessions in advance so that you and your therapist can develop a shared understanding of what is going on for you and what kind of support you are looking for.
You will receive an email confirming your appointment (make sure you check your spam folder) and we strongly recommend you record this in your calendar or diary. The confirmation will contain information about our services, consent forms and our attendance policy, so make sure you read it carefully.
We offer telehealth and in-person sessions. If you are attending in person, we suggest you plan your journey and parking prior to your appointment. While there is free 2-hour parking in the vicinity of the clinic, we recommend allowing for additional time to find a park during busy periods, such as Fridays and Saturdays or weekdays between 3 and 5 pm.
Prior to your first session, check out the about us page to read about the therapist you will be meeting and view their photo. Some people find this helps to reduce anxiety about their appointment and it also gives you a chance to start getting to know your therapist.
Why It Can Feel Like Nothing Seems To Happen In The First Therapy Session
Many people think the first session is about fixing problems straight away, so it is common to leave the first therapy session feeling like not much happened. In reality, it is about getting to know your therapist and beginning to build trust, understanding your needs, and setting a foundation for the work ahead. The first session focuses on developing rapport, which is the foundation of therapy. Research shows that the relationship you have with your therapist is the most important determinant in how effective therapy is.
When you arrive, have a seat in our waiting room. We have books, toys, and some fantastic fidgets you can access while you wait.
Your therapist will greet you and invite you into one of our comfortable therapy rooms. The initial consultation session is usually in the same room as ongoing therapy sessions.
As this is the first time meeting your therapist, you may be feeling a number of different emotions. It is completely normal to feel a little bit nervous in the first session. We sometimes feel nervous too. Your therapist will explain our confidentiality policy in this initial session, which means that what you and your therapist talk about is private (with a few exceptions which they will talk through).
Tips For Your First Therapy Appointment
Feeling anxious about your first therapy appointment is normal. A simple way to reduce nerves is to look at your therapist’s information on our website before you arrive. This gives you a sense of familiarity and helps reduce anticipatory anxiety.
Read our post Top 9 questions to ask your Therapist for some guidance on starting conversations. It can also help to bring something with you into your session, such as some colouring in, knitting, or a favourite fidget item. We want you to feel as comfortable as possible so let us know if there is anything we can do to help you feel more at ease.
Do You Need to Know What to Say in Therapy?
Some people worry they need to know exactly what to talk about in their first session. You do not need to have everything worked out before therapy begins. The first session is about starting the conversation and allowing your therapist to guide the process.
At the end of the session, your therapist will suggest future appointment times or ask you to organise your next session with our admin team. Payment is processed automatically online, and you will receive the receipt via email. If you are eligible for any Medicare rebates, these will be processed for you.
We aim to provide a caring and safe space for all of our clients and their families and we are always open to feedback about ways to improve our services. We look forward to working with you at The Therapy Hub.
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