Starting with a new therapist, whether it’s your first time or you’ve gone to therapy previously, may be nerve-wracking. When you go to your first Christian counseling appointment, one of our therapists has given you some advice on how to get ready for it.
‘Will I get along with my therapist?‘
‘Are they going to like me?‘
‘Can they assist me in achieving my objectives?‘
‘Can I really afford it?‘
‘Was Darth Vader his biological father?‘
‘These are some of the questions that clients often ask.’
IF YOU’RE SCARED, HERE ARE 5 THINGS TO DO TO GET READY FOR YOUR FIRST CHRISTIAN COUNSELING SESSION:
1. Be your own unique individual.
Putting on a “better self-mask” during your first session might be enticing. However, it gets tough to keep up with this session after session. Why not tell your counselor who you are right away? Take advantage of this unique connection with your counselor, who is eager to get to know you. Keep in mind that your counselor is there to assist you!
Here are some facts about yourself that you might share:
- Issues you’re presently dealing with that you’d want to discuss in future sessions
- Changes in your life that encouraged you to seek help
- Attempts you’ve made to get past this
- Background information, friends, family, and worldview
2. BE AWARE OF YOUR OBJECTIVES
Set aside 10 minutes before your first appointment to write out what you want to get out of therapy. Remember, the more specific your objectives are, the more useful your counselor will be in assisting you in achieving them!
It’s OK if you and your partner have different objectives when you go to therapy. It’s also possible that one of you has ambitions while the other doesn’t. Prepare your objectives to the best of your ability, and be patient with your spouse while they work toward theirs.
3. MAKE SURE YOUR SCHEDULE IS CLEAR.
Consider how often you’d want to see your counselor (or maybe ask them how frequently they’d like to see you), and then plan ahead for times that could work in the future.
You may also feel fatigued afterward, so schedule some recuperation time after your session if possible. Take the time to look for yourself.
4. REACH OUT AND ASK QUESTIONS
It’s beneficial to understand your counselor’s approach, ideas, and personality. Learn about them as they learn about you. Here are a few questions you may want to ask your therapist:
- How do you go about assisting others?
- Do you have any experience assisting people with issues similar to mine?
- What is your worldview or belief system?
- Would you design a treatment plan for me, and if so, will I be a part of it?
- What will the format of our meetings be?
5. AWARD SOME CREDIT TO YOURSELF
Many folks have traveled a long way simply to come to this initial session. For others, it takes years of deliberation before they begin therapy. You’ve arrived, no matter how long it took. So clap yourself on the back for making it this far. It takes a lot of bravery to meet with a therapist.
Take Brene Brown’s remarks, for example: “Most people assume vulnerability is a sign of weakness.” Vulnerability, on the other hand, is a kind of bravery. We must ask ourselves, “Are we willing to show up and be seen?”
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR FIRST CHRISTIAN COUNSELING SESSION:
Your first session will almost certainly be unlike any other. You’ll most likely discuss practical issues like billing, scheduling, and so on during this session. Your therapist will almost certainly tell you about them. Then it’s your chance to speak out as much as you’re comfortable with and within the time constraints.
Taking on all of that in a single session might be exhausting! Keep this in mind as you and the therapist get to know one another.
What if it doesn’t work out?
It’s OK to switch counselors if you and yours aren’t on the same page. How do you know? Here are some red flags that your therapist isn’t the appropriate match for you:
- There is a lack of trust between you and your therapist.
- The therapist lacks competence in the area in which you want assistance.
- You and the therapist both have opposing worldviews and ideals.
- You are not progressing (keep in mind that growth takes time!)
- Sessions often leave you feeling confused or disheartened.
It’s not your first time, right? It could be beneficial for both you and the therapist to go over some of the details from your last therapy session. Here are some things to think about and be ready to talk about with your new therapist:
- In my previous counseling experience, what worked for me?
- In my previous therapy experience, what didn’t work for me?
- What has changed since my last session with a counselor?
Keep in mind that your counselor is there to assist you. North Woods Christian Counseling is dedicated to helping our customers achieve their objectives.
PREPARE FOR ONLINE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:
What is the best way to prepare for an online Christian therapy session? I’ve developed a list for you below!
RE-CREATE THE “SENSE” OF A PERSONAL COUNSELING SESSION
The clients who strive to reproduce the setting seem to be the most relaxed and ready for their therapy sessions. Don’t worry, you won’t have to go out and purchase anything new! You could feel more comfortable and prepared if you have a few things nearby. Here’s a list of things to have on hand:
We, therapists, have an uncanny ability to make patients cry. (I joke that I wouldn’t have tried if you hadn’t wept.) Of course, crying isn’t required for every session. It does, however, happen often. It’s always better to be prepared.
Water Bottle: During your sessions, you will be chatting a lot. A glass of water can help.
Even if the temperature in your house is ideal, a blanket or pillow might provide comfort. While working through unpleasant topics, a soft object might provide emotional consolation.
In therapy, you never know when you’ll get a nugget of wisdom. It will be easier for you to recall things if you can write them down.
PREPARE FOR YOUR ONLINE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING SESSION AHEAD OF TIME.
This could include anything from turning on lights to hiring babysitters; the point is to give yourself time to plan ahead and create an environment in which you feel most at ease and present.
Test Lighting: Lighting that is directed towards your face is preferable to lighting that is directed behind you. Behind-the-scenes lighting casts shadows on your face, and no one wants to appear like Batman with awful hair.
Find a Quiet Space: Both you and your therapist might be distracted by noise. If you can, find a babysitter for your children, find a quiet area away from busy streets, and turn off notifications and alarms on your device to decrease noise pollution. (Having headphones on hand is also a good idea.)
Ensure that everyone is dressed: This did happen. Twice. Clothing is an excellent tool for therapy. I strongly suggest that you plan ahead and tell your family that you are going to a meeting.
EVALUATE YOUR SYSTEM
Your therapist (and, sometimes, the office) will email you a connection to the online platform you’ll be utilizing. It’s a good idea to go on early to get your system ready for the session. Ascertain that you have
To guarantee that your computer, tablet, or phone is powered and ready to go, turn it on ahead of time.
Look through your inbox for the invitation. To access the platform, go to the website and click on the link.
To be sure you can hear and be heard, click ‘Test My Speaker and Microphone.‘
At North Woods Christian Counseling, we utilize Zoom, which is HIPAA-compliant.
GET READY FOR YOUR VERY FIRST ONLINE CHRISTIAN COUNSELING SESSION
Let’s get you ready now that everything else is ready. To begin, take a few deep breaths to relax your mind and body. Close your eyes and scan your body for areas of stress and emotion, then tense those muscles for 10-15 seconds. Now let go of the stress and take a deep breath, delivering it to these places. Before beginning the session, let your mind and body relax and settle down.
Online Christian counseling allows you to meet with your therapist from the convenience of your own home. And with a few little modifications, it may be just as beneficial (if not more so!) than meeting in person. Many of our counselors are also qualified to conduct virtual versions of traditional in-person trauma therapies like EMDR or Brainspotting. We’d want to meet you right now, wherever you are!
You’ve already set yourself up for success by establishing a safe location, preparing ahead, testing your system, and taking the time to prepare yourself! We wish you a successful online session!
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