Contents:
- Medical Video: Therapy: How to start and what to say #KatiFAQ
- What should be prepared when consulting a psychologist for the first time?
- 1. Be yourself, no need to be afraid
- 2. Prepare to answer many questions
- 3. Don't be shy about asking, note various questions when consulting
- 4. Come with your daily journal
- 5. Don't be late
Medical Video: Therapy: How to start and what to say #KatiFAQ
No need to hesitate to seek help from a psychologist to solve your problem. Especially if you are currently depressed and need friends vent. Well, consulting a psychologist is one way to overcome your stress. Confused because it was the first time I consulted a psychologist? Relax, you only need to do the following so that your first psychological consultation runs smoothly.
What should be prepared when consulting a psychologist for the first time?
Maybe at first, you are hesitant to visit a psychologist. You are shy and anxious because of the views of the people around. Yes, most of them think that people who go to psychologists are people who have mental disorders. In fact, when you are stressed and cannot manage it properly, it can be a sign that you need to consult a psychologist.
Naturally, if at the first meeting you feel worried, anxious, and uncomfortable. However, so that your problem is resolved quickly, you must maximize your first meeting with a psychologist. Well, so that your first meeting runs smoothly, you should follow the following tips.
1. Be yourself, no need to be afraid
Nearly every person who has consulted a psychologist for the first time feels scared and uncomfortable. However, do not let this make you close yourself. Fear at the beginning is very reasonable, but if you have adapted then you should enjoy chatting with a psychologist.
A psychologist is a professional, so whatever your problem will be a secret between you two. So, don't be afraid to be honest and tell what you feel.
Psychologists or therapists also have goals to help, not judge you. So, there is no need to lie or cover up certain facts just because you are afraid of being seen negatively by your psychologist. It's like, if you don't want to tell your doctor if you have a stomachache and nausea, how can a doctor diagnose and provide the right treatment?
2. Prepare to answer many questions
In the first session, psychologists will try to get to know you and the problems you are experiencing. That way, there must be many questions that are asked to you, so prepare all your answers and stories to be honest.
Maybe the first question that will be asked by psychologists is, "What made you come here?" Or "Why just come to consult now, why not before?". Questions like that that you might face in the first meeting, which are intended to find out what you feel at that time and assess your emotional condition.
3. Don't be shy about asking, note various questions when consulting
In one session, therapy is usually carried out for approximately 45-50 minutes. This depends on the policy of each counseling place that you visit.
You have the right to give questions to psychologists. Instead, the first session is your chance to find out how the therapy plan will be carried out in the future. Some of the things you should ask a psychologist are:
- What therapy will be applied to me?
- How often do I have to consult a psychologist?
- Is this therapy short-term or long-term therapy?
- Is there anything I have to do at home to support therapy?
- Do family members or people closest to me need to be involved?
If there are other things that still make you doubt and confused about the therapy that will be done, do not hesitate to ask your psychologist.
4. Come with your daily journal
If you have a journal or diary, you should take it when you consult. This will make it easier for you to answer various psychologist questions. Sometimes, you may forget what happened to make you angry in the past, so by bringing a diary, you can easily remember it again.
5. Don't be late
If you have made an appointment with a therapist, come around 10 minutes early. Coming in early will help you prepare mentally, focus your mind, and take care of administration.
Whereas if you arrive late, you may feel guilty and nervous so that the consultation does not go smoothly. You will also lose, because being late means cutting hours of consultation with your therapist.
