Consultation with a Psychologist for the First Time, What Should Be Prepared?
No need to hesitate to seek help from a psychologist to solve your problem. Especially if you are currently depressed and need friends confide. So, consulting a psychologist is one way to deal with your stress. Confused because it’s your first time consulting a psychologist? Relax, you only need to do the following things to make your first psychological consultation go smoothly.
What should be prepared when consulting a psychologist for the first time?
Maybe at first, you hesitate to visit a psychologist. You are embarrassed and anxious because of the views of those around you. Yes, most of them think that people who go to psychologists are people who have mental disorders. In fact, when you are stressed and can’t manage it properly, it could be a sign that you need to consult a psychologist.
Naturally, at the first meeting you feel worried, anxious, and uncomfortable. However, in order for your problem to be resolved quickly, then you should make the most of your first meeting with a psychologist. So, so that your first meeting goes smoothly, you should follow these tips.
1. Be yourself, there’s no need to be afraid
Almost everyone who is seeing a psychologist for the first time is afraid and uncomfortable. However, don’t let this make you close yourself off. Initial fears are perfectly natural, but if you have adapted then it is best to enjoy chatting with a psychologist.
Psychologists are professionals, so whatever your problem is will definitely be a secret between the two of you. So, don’t be afraid to be honest and tell how you feel.
Psychologists or therapists also aim to help, not judge you. So, there is no need to lie or cover up certain facts just because you are afraid of being viewed negatively by your psychologist. For example, if you don’t want to tell the doctor that you have a stomachache and nausea, how can the doctor diagnose and provide the right treatment?
2. Be prepared to answer lots of questions
In the first session, the psychologist will try to get to know you and the problems you are experiencing. That way, there must be a lot of questions asked of you, so prepare all your answers and stories honestly.
Perhaps the first question a psychologist will ask is, “What brought you here?” or “Why only now came for consultations, why not before?”. Such questions you may encounter at the first meeting, which are aimed at finding out how you are feeling at the moment and assessing your emotional state.
3. Don’t be shy about asking questions, write down questions when consulting
In one session, therapy is usually carried out for approximately 45-50 minutes. This depends on the policies of each counseling place you go to.
You have the right to ask the psychologist questions. In fact, the first session is your chance to find out how your therapy plan will be in the future. Some of the things you should ask a psychologist are:
- What therapy will be applied to me?
- How often should I see a psychologist?
- Is this therapy short-term or long-term?
- Is there anything I need to do at home to support therapy?
- Do my family members or people closest to me need to be involved?
If there are other things that still make you doubt and confused about which therapy to do, don’t hesitate to ask your psychologist.
4. Come up with your daily journal
If you have a journal or diary, then it’s best to bring it with you when you consult. This will make it easier for you to answer the psychologist’s questions. Sometimes, you may forget what happened to you that made you angry in the past, so bringing your diary with you can make it easier to remember.
5. Don’t be late
If you’ve already made an appointment with a therapist, arrive about 10 minutes early. Arriving early will help you prepare mentally, focus your mind, and take care of the administration.
Meanwhile, if you arrive late, you may feel guilty and nervous, so the consultation does not go smoothly. You will also be the loser, because being late means cutting hours of consultation with your therapist.
Hello Health Group and Hello Sehat do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please check our editorial policy page for more detailed information.
