How to Prepare to Go to a Therapist For the First Time

When you prepare to go to a therapist for the first time, you want to make sure that your preparation is done properly and completely. After all, visiting a therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist costs money - you want to make sure you'll get what you need from the visit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a therapist who you feel comfortable with. There is absolutely no use in going to a therapist who you are not comfortable with and can not communicate openly with. Also, choose someone in your insurance plan, if possible. If you choose someone out of your medical insurance network, therapy can be expensive.
   
   There are some key factors to consider when choosing a therapist: location, gender, and qualifications, just to name a few. Consider what factors are important and work for you.

2. If your insurance plan will be paying for your therapy, find out how many visits you are allowed per calendar year. If you are only allow a few covered therapy sessions, choose a therapist who will allow you to continue paying out of pocket at a reasonable rate.

3. Be realistic about your goals for therapy. A therapist will help you overcome your issues, but certainly can not solve your problems for you. Be ready to work with your therapist to work towards your goals. If you are not open to change, there is nothing that your therapist can do for you.

4. Be ready to talk! This may sound obvious, but therapy is all about you and what you want to talk about. Your therapist can't help you unless you're ready to share information with him or her, so be ready to open up.

5. Before your first visit, write down what you expect from your therapist. When you arrive at your first session, discuss this with your therapist. This way, you can decide if you and your therapist are compatible right off the bat.

6. Create a list of the key things that you want to discuss with your therapist during your first visit. Explaining your concerns, as well as who you are, will help your therapist understand and assist you better. It is likely that your therapist will ask you questions, but you have to give the therapist something to begin with.

7. Arrive at your therapist's office early for your first visit. Bring a copy of your medical insurance card, and be prepared to fill out paperwork. Therapy can be very helpful, but in order to get in to talk to the therapist, you have to deal with the administrative work first.

[writetolife]

on 10/26/2009 Good information. Having never been to a therapist, the topic is rather interesting.