Decided to start therapy? Congrats! You are taking a fantastic first step for your mental health. If you have never gone to therapy before, it is *totally* normal to have some nerves. Before heading to your first session, here are a few things you should do.

Think about what you want to get out of therapy

Before you meet your therapist, think about what your goals are. Do you want to practice better self-love? Do you need help managing anxiety? Maybe you need help getting through a difficult time. Or perhaps, nothing is terribly wrong and you just need someone to talk to. Whatever your goal is, mention it to your therapist. If you are not sure, that’s also completely OK. Your therapist will help you discover what you need.

Get comfortable

Seriously, get comfy! Not saying wear your pajamas, but wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and relaxed. It could be wearing a soft sweater or putting on your fave necklace. No need to wear your fanciest clothes—your therapist won’t care (but of course, dress appropriately). If your session is virtual, find a location that is quiet, comfy and private. If you need to, bring a water bottle and snacks.

Ask for tools and resources to use outside the session

Sometimes, your therapist may give you “homework” or resources to use after your session. If you feel like you need more resources, don’t hesitate to ask. Having these resources is so helpful to practice what you have gone over during a session, and they are tools that can be used anytime you need them.

Trust your gut

For your first session, remember that your therapist is getting to know you, as you are getting comfortable and getting to know them (you are building a professional relationship between a patient and a therapist). However, if you are a few sessions down and the vibes don’t feel right or you don’t feel truly comfortable with the therapist you have, consider finding a different one. Remember, therapy should be a safe space, and you should find a therapist who is right for you—and especially understanding of your background and experiences.

Ask questions if you have any

Don’t sit and wonder, ask your therapist! Ask what you should expect and what a session is going to look like for you. There are no silly questions, and your therapist is not going to judge you (if they are, that’s a red flag, go find a new one, pls!).

Opening up and being vulnerable can, of course, be nerve-wracking, but just remember that everyone experiences these nerves when they start therapy. You deserve to take care of yourself and be proud that you are taking the steps to do so.

Need more mental health & wellness tips? Check out these posts:
💫 5 Myths About Mental Health (And The Real Facts You Need To Know)
💫 We’re Ditching The “Summer Body” Mindset
💫 Don’t Forget To Recharge This Summer

Slider & top image: @activecactus