How to Prepare For Your First Psychological Therapy Appointment?

Asking for help is one of the toughest steps to take when one is struggling. If you have taken the step, congratulations – you have begun your healing. However, if you are feeling overwhelmed by thinking you would have to pour your heart out in front of a psychologist in High Wycombe, a stranger – trained but stranger nonetheless, then this is the post for you.

What To Do Before Meeting Your Therapist?

Feeling overwhelmed and jittery before your first meeting with your therapist is a natural response. You are not overreacting. Do not let others gaslight you into thinking that you are overthinking the process. You are not. However, you can prepare for the upcoming appointment. Just follow the steps mentioned below.

Get A ‘Why’ Journal

When you have booked your first session with a revered psychologist in High Wycombe, make sure you have prepared a ‘Why Journal’ beforehand. Why the ‘Why Journal’ – you ask? Well, the ‘Why Journal’ will set you up with the clear reasons why you have sought professional help. Ensure the journal includes bullet points listing any sleep issues you may be experiencing. You might be having panic attacks. Or you might have lost your appetite – note down precise information like this that will let your preferred therapist quickly understand your case. And create a bespoke treatment plan for you from the first session.

Prepare Questions For The Therapist

You need to understand that therapy is a two-way street. You will have a deep, meaningful conversation with a trained professional. And a conversation can only take place when it involves questions and answers. A session with a trained therapist involves you asking questions. You can ask questions about the therapist’s professional approach to your case. You can also ask whether the therapist has experience with treating cases like yours. Asking questions like these will ensure you have paired with the right therapist. 

Commute Comfortably To Therapy

Nothing adds more stress to an already stressful situation than an uncomfortable and hurried commute to your first therapy session. Hence, it would be best for you to plan your commute to the therapist’s office. You can begin early so you can complete it in a relaxed manner. Or you can hire a cab that will chauffeur you to your therapist without adding more noise to your overloaded mind. Avoid using public transport, your car, or your motorcycle on the day of the first appointment. These will serve as external stressors. Make your commute to your therapist as comfortable as possible for the best possible session.

Be Patient And Be Kind To Yourself

The world has been cruel to you. It has been impatient. Do not be cruel or impatient with yourself. For the best results, set aside time for yourself after the therapy session. Use this time to relax and calm your mind. You can sit around doing nothing. You can read your favourite book. You can play that video game you love. You can cook your favourite meal. You can take your motorcycle for a long ride. You can clean your car – an activity which you always preferred, as it helped you calm your mind. In short, do not put yourself in any stressful situations just after you have had your first therapy session. Be patient and be gentle with your mind. Let it unwind and recover slowly.