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For me the 1st appt. usually was an "intake" & would last 1 1/2 - 2 hours & would require me to give a lot of background: when did I start having difficulties, my family history, what medications I've been on & why I discontinued them & am currently on & other treatments.
It would usually be very emotional & draining & I would always cry as I would have to relate some really painful stuff, but I would carry notes with me so I could refer to them & not get confused (which I do when anxious) & also have questions for the therapist about what type of method she (I always see a female) would employ after hearing about my difficulties, length of treatment, etc.
I also "interview" (takes about 10 min.) therapists over the phone before I go in for the 1st appt. No one has denied me yet. If she did, she would obviously not be the right therapist for me. I've written up some questions that cover basic points that are core beliefs & values that I MUST have the therapist agree with or we would not have a worthwhile relationship. I've learned this from experience & don't want to waste time (& insurance only allows 30 sessions a year) & my money seeing someone perhaps 3 or 4 times & realize hey, we have some big issues we don't agree on & we can't continue a therapeutic relationship.
The 1st meeting is scary, but you are taking a big step towards making your life a more joyful, healthy & emotionally stable one. You will be learning a lot about yourself & how to change some dysfunctional coping techniques (at least I am) that are interfering with improving the quality of my life. Congrats on making this big decision.—Suzy P.S. The 1st therapist you see may not be the correct one for you, but don’t make that decision after only one visit. I’m just saying if this one doesn’t connect with you, don’t give up on therapy
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