Finding the Right Therapist
Therapy research has demonstrated that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most important common factors making therapy effective. This finding is why it is so important to find a therapist that is a “good fit.” Finding someone who feels safe and supporting does not mean you will always feel comfortable or unchallenged in sessions – in fact therapy often may feel uncomfortable when it is working. But can you work with this therapist, “does he have the experience to understand me and my situation? Is he a collaborator? Can he provide the knowledge and expertise I need to grow and accomplish my goals for therapy?”
With this being said, I want to give you an idea about what the first session entails so you can accurately make this determination for yourself.
Before Your First Appointment
Prior to your first appointment, I will send you a link to the SimplePractice portal. This preliminary paperwork is necessary to get things started. You can complete the Client Intake Form, the Informed Consent, the Consent to Email from the convenience of your home computer. Questions you have about this paperwork are good to bring up during our appointment if you have them. I will also go over some preliminary information, logistics, spend time getting to know you and want to know what brings you into therapy.
The First Appointment
It is common and understandable that there is anxiety about coming to first appointments. Although I do as much as possible to reduce this anxiety and make the first appointment as safe and comfortable as possible, you should know that talking about what makes you uncomfortable and anxious is part of the work of psychotherapy. My hope is that we can tackle this work together and learn to trust it.
Jason Loverti, LICSW. Mindful Mental Health Services 