Whether it’s your first time going to counseling services or the first time at Remedy Therapy, you’ll know what to expect during therapy. Everyone’s therapy experience will differ from their reasons for therapy to the type used.
There are a variety of therapy types that can be used in combination to relieve mental health symptoms. These means include:
- Individual counseling
- Group therapy
- Family counseling
- Adolescent counseling
- Counseling for first responders
If you are experiencing mental health or substance use disorders, it is beneficial to see a therapist or psychiatrist one-on-one before committing to any group therapies. Even one appointment beforehand will provide guidance for the best group therapy for your needs and situation.
What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session
Knowing what to expect during your first therapy session reduces unnecessary anxiety. And when you’re dealing with stress and mental health disorder, this can mean the difference between getting help and avoiding your problems.
In the first one-on-one or individual therapy session, individuals can expect a general evaluation of your feelings and symptoms in the last two weeks. This first session is about the client and therapist getting to know each other and building a relationship. It is critical to build trust and feel comfortable.
The first group therapy session will consist of meeting and introducing members. The therapist guiding the sessions will review ground rules as well as let the group decide on some things. For example, your group may decide to not allow any new members after the first session.
If you don’t feel comfortable or can’t talk freely, ask about finding a different therapist or group. Finding the right fit is critical to be able to recover from symptoms of mental health disorders. There are many therapists that specialize in different areas like PTSD, anxiety, or family issues. Different groups also tailor to specific disorders or shared experiences.
What to Expect During Therapy
During therapy sessions, clients can expect to talk about experiences, feelings, and current symptoms. If there are past events or underlying reasons for mental health symptoms, these will be addressed in their own time. Going at your own pace makes handling these issues more manageable, as well as being able to practice techniques learned in therapy.
The topics and techniques during therapy sessions will differ based on the individual. Some people prefer to talk about their past day, some prefer to delve deeper into decades passed. It is up to you whether you focus on your weekly occurrences, relationships, or a mix of both.
The one thing individuals know what to expect during therapy is someone who will listen and offer techniques for dealing with daily stressors and symptoms of mental health disorders.
Techniques Used in Therapy
During the first session of therapy, feel free to ask your therapist what techniques they generally use. After they get to know you, they can give you an idea of what will benefit you personally. Often, psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is used to reduce mental health disorder symptoms.
Types of talk therapy include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – analyzes negative thoughts and behavior patterns that impact the way you perceive yourself and the world around you
- Dialectical behavior therapy – a subset of CBT that continues to build on coping skills and regulate emotions
- Interpersonal therapy – focuses more on relationships with others and how it impacts our lives and emotions
- Holistic therapy – a blend of different types of talk therapy to meet an individual’s needs
Therapy Sessions at Remedy Therapy
Mental health disorders, even the stress of daily life, can leave individuals feeling exhausted, isolated, and not yourself. Many people have found the relief that therapy brings, and so can you. Contact Remedy Therapy in Palm Beach Gardens, FL today for more information about counseling services. Call 561.414.2607 to schedule an appointment with a licensed therapist and learn what to expect during your first therapy session.
