Decreasing the Scariness of Starting Therapy

You are sitting near the phone thinking about calling someone and starting therapy.
You've never been to counseling before and have questions about the process and what to expect.
Below are a list of points to consider.

Deciding to talk to a counselor is probably a little daunting.
It is also a great way to provide you with self-care.
As much as family and friends are valued and needed they are not always able to give an unbiased opinion of your situation - they have a vested interest because they are a part of your life.
In addition, there are probably issues and worries in your life you don't want to share with family and friends.
Having a therapist is a great way to get an outside look into your life and assistance with your concerns and goals.
Take your time to pick a therapist.
Therapists specialize in different areas.
Take a referral from a friend, professional or your insurance company but also take some time checking them out.
Most therapists have websites or are at least listed on the internet with some information about them.
Therapists are not interchangeable.
Contact a therapist by the means you feel most comfortable.
If you are comfortable calling, pick up that telephone.
If you rather e-mail and it is available for your therapist go ahead and e-mail.
What is important is that you are able to connect with the therapist.
Keep in mind that e-mail may not be completely secure so it is a good idea to limit the information you put in an e-mail.
Write down a few questions that you would like to ask a potential therapist.
Most therapists will answer your basic questions.
Bear in mind that the initial contact is not a therapy session so the therapist will likely not delve too much into the issues that might be concerning you.
They will be getting a feel for the issues and if they are able to assist and you will getting a feel for them.
Expect to have payment ready at session.
Many therapists accept debit and credit cards - just ask.
Generally, you are able to utilize health savings accounts for therapy.
If you are using insurance ask the therapist when they would like the information.
It is often beneficial for both you and the therapist to check your benefits prior to the first session.
This ensures there are no unpleasant surprises.
The first session can vary by therapist.
You will likely be asked to complete some paperwork at the beginning or end of the session.
Often the paperwork includes demographic and billing information, handouts regarding your rights to confidentiality, any exceptions to confidentiality and any policy or procedures that the therapist wants clarified at the onset of treatment.
Some therapists may ask you to complete an assessment or symptom checklist prior to starting.
Often during the first session individuals feel like they have just spewed a ton of information out.
This is often part of the therapy process.
The therapist is getting to know you and you are providing the information.
As therapy progress your sessions may become more focused.
Therapy does not necessarily last a set amount of time.
Some therapists may provide more brief therapy and some longer therapy.
Sometimes you may be looking for assistance in making a decision or with a transient problem and may be looking for shorter term therapy.
Other times issues may be more complex, you may be exploring deeper or you enjoy the benefits from therapy so you make a longer term commitment.
Often issues in life just don't pop up one day.
Often, issues have been ongoing for many years and working through them may take time.
As you work with a therapist together you can determine how long the therapeutic sessions will continue.
Take time to build the therapeutic relationship with your therapist.
One of the keys to therapy is the relationship between the therapist and the client.
Just like most relationships, trust and comfort doesn't start overnight.
It wouldn't be uncommon to meet with your therapist several weeks building a relationship and assessing the situation before you start working on the tough stuff.
Therapy sometimes feels yucky.
You may be talking about stuff that brings up prickly feelings and ideas you aren't comfortable with.
Therapy is work and sometimes tough.
Talk to your therapist if you think you need a break or need to be working on a different path.
Your therapy sessions are about you.
You may not always like your therapist.
Reference the above about yucky feelings.
Even when you value the relationship and see its worth there may be days you don't really like the person helping you work through your stuff.
Many people meet for a therapy session about 50 minutes a week.
This means that most of your work is done outside of the therapy session.
The insight, thoughts and skills you learn in therapy are thought about and practiced out of the session.
Therapy isn't a magic wand but can help you get on track.
Therapy works.
If you are ready and willing the therapeutic journey can be well worth the time and effort.