8 Things To Consider Before Booking Your First Psychotherapy Session

Psychotherapy explores the mind, emotions, thoughts, relationships, and identity through talk, introspection, and evidence-based techniques. For example, a psychotherapist might challenge how you think about (or make meaning of) situations to bring about positive change in how you feel emotionally and physically.

It is all about exploring, understanding, changing, and sometimes coming to terms with the difficulties you face in a successful and fulfilling life. 

If you already know that psychotherapy, or meeting with a psychologist, is something you would like to explore, consider visiting TherapyRoute.com to book a local therapist. TherapyRoute is an international platform to contact nearby therapists just about everywhere. Here you will find registered and insured psychotherapists who have experience working with people from all walks of life with various issues and problems.

1. Location and parking

Suppose you are booking a psychotherapy appointment for the first time. In that case, you may also need guidance on finding your therapist’s office. For example, will there be enough free parking? Is it near a public transportation station? Contacting a therapist via TherapyRoute.com will offer a chance to ask all these questions, assuming the information isn’t already plain to see on the therapists’ profiles.

2. Ask for a Phone Consultation First

Phone consultations are fast and easy. They allow you to talk to a therapist without traveling far or leaving work. In addition, a phone consultation can provide valuable insight into the style of therapy you might benefit from through an informal chat with a therapist before you book your first appointment.

3. Consider Your Reasons for Seeking Therapy

Why do you want to book an appointment with a psychotherapist? People seek therapy for many reasons, with the most common being to find ways to feel better in life and relationships. Psychotherapy can help with most psychological disorders, and counseling can aid people in clarifying their thoughts, making sense of their lives, and making constructive plans and changes. 

Some people are growth-focused and attend out of curiosity to learn more about themselves or find ongoing thoughtful support in facing life. These are noble aims, too, as therapists can offer insight into who you are and why you think the way you do. For example, if your parents behaved a certain way towards you as a child, consider bringing this up with a therapist so they can help you unearth what lessons have been learned through your childhood experiences. 

You should undoubtedly seek therapy if parts of your life, such as your career or relationships, bring struggle, especially if this comes from an emotional place like fear or sadness.

4. Decide on a Budget and Book in Advance

Booking your appointment in advance will ensure the therapist’s schedule is open and allow you to ask about therapists’ specialities. By doing so, you are making the most of your money by utilizing it for a practical reason rather than going out to eat or spending it on other luxury items. However, the longer you leave booking your appointment, the harder it is to get an appointment time that suits your schedule and other commitments. Also, the more entrenched and complex your difficulties might become. 

5. Get a Feeling for Your Therapist’s Style

Before booking your appointment, read through the therapist’s profile to get a feel for what they are like. A therapist that is a nice person may work particularly well with you. Alternatively, suppose you have had an unpleasant experience with the “wrong” therapist. In that case, booking an appointment with someone you feel you can connect with more efficiently and share more openly in therapy sessions may be best.

6. Be Open and Honest

Therapy is about being open and honest, so you must communicate your feelings to your therapist. Suppose you are coming in for therapy sessions with a quarrelsome attitude. In that case, it will be harder for the therapist to help resolve the things that are troubling you. Be as open as possible to new ways of thinking and talking about things. It will allow you to get the most out of therapy sessions. If you are sharing something in session, listen carefully to what the therapist has to say in return rather than giving advice or talking over them.

7. Expect Changes

Therapy can be complex, as you look closely at situations from every angle. You will also discuss your most sensitive and vulnerable feelings and thoughts. Don’t be surprised if you feel uncomfortable or experience some of your negative feelings brought to the surface. However, you should also expect things to change for the better with therapy – and for those changes to feel noticeable in your life.

8. Find Your Best Fit Therapist 

If you are considering booking your first appointment, remember that therapy is about understanding yourself and your place in the world. The most important thing is to find someone you believe will get you and with whom you feel safe and confident.

You are in control of your life and can make changes for the better. You should be proud that you have already come this far.