10 steps before you start therapy.

Before seeing your therapist, there are a few things you might want to consider and be aware of:

1. Purpose: Clarify why you are seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve from it. Understanding your goals and intentions can help you communicate them effectively to your therapist.
2. Confidentiality: Therapists are bound by professional ethics and laws to maintain client confidentiality. However, it’s important to discuss any concerns you may have regarding confidentiality and understand the limits to it. Your therapist should provide you with information about their approach to confidentiality.
3. Therapist’s expertise: Familiarize yourself with your therapist’s qualifications, experience, and areas of expertise. Knowing their background can help you gauge whether they are the right fit for your needs.
4. Session logistics: Be aware of the practical aspects of therapy, such as the duration of sessions, frequency of appointments, and fees. It’s essential to discuss these matters with your therapist beforehand to establish clear expectations.
5. Your mental health history: Reflect on your mental health history, including any previous diagnoses, treatments, or medications you have taken. Consider jotting down important points or creating a summary to provide your therapist with relevant information.
6. Current concerns: Make a list of the main issues or challenges you are facing at the moment. This can help guide your conversations and ensure that you address the topics that are most important to you.
7. Medications and medical conditions: If you are taking any medications or have any medical conditions, inform your therapist about them. Certain physical health issues and medications can impact your mental health, so sharing this information can provide a comprehensive understanding of your well-being.
8. Emotional readiness: Therapy can sometimes be emotionally challenging as it involves exploring personal and sensitive topics. It’s important to assess your emotional readiness for therapy and be prepared for the possibility of experiencing various emotions during the process.
9. Openness and honesty: Therapy is most effective when you are open and honest with your therapist. Being willing to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences can help your therapist gain a deeper understanding of your situation and provide appropriate guidance.
10. Building a therapeutic relationship: Keep in mind that therapy is a collaborative process, and the therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist plays a significant role. Be open to building rapport and trust with your therapist as it can enhance the effectiveness of the therapeutic process.

Remember, these suggestions are meant to provide general guidance. Each individual’s therapy journey may differ, and it’s essential to communicate with your therapist to address any specific concerns or questions you may have before your first session.

 If you are interested in a particular topic, please send an email and I will try to write about  it or create a webinar on the topic you are looking for.