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PSYCHOTHERAPY
What Happens in an Initial Consultation?
If you have gone through the process of looking for a therapist, you are most likely familiar with what an initial consultation refers to. For those of you that are new to psychotherapy, I will break down what you can expect from an initial consultation and some important things to keep in mind when speaking with your potential therapist for the first time.
Most psychotherapists will offer prospective clients a 20-30 minute initial consultation before beginning therapy together. An initial consultation is an opportunity for the psychotherapist to gather information about what is bringing you to therapy, and to get a better sense of what you hope to gain from the experience. It is also a chance for the psychotherapist to assess whether they have the appropriate training to support your needs in therapy. For clients, the initial consultation is an important step in starting therapy. It can be a chance to gauge whether a therapist is the right fit, if their approach to therapy resonates with you, or on a more general level if the therapist is someone you can connect with.
Five things to do before an initial consultation
1
Consider what you are looking for from your therapist. If you have been to therapy before, what did you like about your past therapist? What about their approach worked well for you? What was missing before that would have been helpful?
2
What is the best way for you to do an initial consultation? Reflect on what format is the most beneficial for you to speak with your possible therapist for the first time. Will a phone call give you enough of a sense of how you vibe with the therapist, or do you find value in being able to meet with your therapist face to face to make a decision if they are the right fit for you? Check to see what options are available to you when scheduling your free initial consultation.
3
What questions are important for you ask? An initial consultation is a opportunity for you to learn more about what training the psychotherapist has completed, what their approach to psychotherapy entails, and what a therapy session with them may look like. If you are unfamiliar with the modalities the psychotherapist practices, an initial call is a chance to learn and ask questions.
4
Reflect on the logistics of starting therapy. Before meeting for an initial consultation, spend some time planning out your therapy experience. Consider how much the therapist is charging for an hour long session. Does their rate per session align with your budget for psychotherapy? Will their rate per session allow you to meet with the therapist as frequently as you would like? If you have health insurance, does your plan cover services offer by the psychotherapist? Some psychotherapists offer a sliding scale rate, which is a predetermined range of cost per session at a reduced rate. Consider if you would like a position on the therapist sliding scale and inquire if is it available. Gather information about how the psychotherapist offers session. Do you prefer to do psychotherapy sessions in person or online?
5
Spend time supporting yourself before an initial consultation. Starting therapy is an important step to prioritize your well being. For those that are new to therapy, or not familiar with talking about their emotions, it can be an overwhelming experience speaking with a therapist for the first time. Before meeting for your initial consultation, spend some time engaging in hobbies that support you, find a comfortable and private space for you to have your meeting, and consider what external supports you may need, such as a hot tea, a blanket, or something you like to fidget with in your hands.