It’s completely normal to feel nervous or apprehensive about going to a therapy session. Here’s an idea of what it might look like when you come for counselling at Mindwise Counselling & Training.

Before the session:

There is no need to come in too early for your session as there likely won’t be a long waiting time before your session. You’ll press a bell to enter the office, and the receptionist will ask you whom you are seeing. You’ll be asked to wait in the seating area until the therapist comes out to greet you. You might want to take this time to compose your thoughts for the session.

You will be given an intake form with questions about your family, health, and mental health. Remember that you are free to skip questions that make you uncomfortable. Your answers will help the therapist understand your background a little better, and therefore form a more comprehensive treatment plan if needed.

During the session:

Your therapist will greet you and invite you into the therapy room. The very first thing that will happen is that your therapist will explain some administrative details to you- Confidentiality, administrative processes and your consent will all be discussed.

After that, you’ll have a normal conversation about what is going on in your life, and what you might need support with. This is your chance to ask questions to the therapist about her background, experience, and competency in working with your concerns! Think of this session as an opportunity for you to gauge how comfortable you feel working with your therapist, and for your therapist to get a better idea of how they can help you. They’ll be able to tell you how they can assist and support you by the end of the session. Remember- You don’t have to share your deepest secrets immediately. Take your time to open up, and always feel free to tell your therapist if you’re not feeling comfortable.

You might be asked questions like these:

• Have you attended therapy in the past?
• What are your symptoms?
• Do you have any mental health issues in your family history?
• How is your home life?
• Do you have a history of suicidal ideation?
• Do you have a history of self-harm?
• What do you hope to get from therapy?
• What do you want to accomplish in sessions?

At the end of the session, your therapist might suggest the frequency of sessions as a general guide. However, in the end you alone will decide what you are most comfortable with.

After the session:

Give yourself a big pat on the back now. You made it through. The first thing you might want to do, is to check in with yourself. How are you feeling, how did you communicate with the therapist, and did they seem to suit you?  Therapy is an incredibly individualized process, and your “fit” with your therapist is the most important thing in the therapeutic process.

Additionally, you may have some “homework” from your therapist before your next session. This could be anything from journaling throughout the week to doing a little reading that may help provide context for your next session. Remember: whatever work you do between sessions is about making you feel healthier and happier, not about getting a good grade.

Remember: there’s no such thing as a one-session cure, so you may feel a little better or relieved, but your symptoms won’t immediately disappear. It’s best if you do not schedule important meetings or events after your therapy sessions. This will allow you to focus on the session, its impact on you, and taking care of yourself after the session.