Going To Therapy For The First Time

I’ve seen some clients leave a session frustrated due to unmet expectations or misunderstandings about therapy. We could’ve had a better outcome if the right information was communicated beforehand. I hope my story not only clears up any misconceptions about therapy, but also helps you warm up to it.

Self-doubt

I went to my first therapy session about 4 years ago with the intention of gaining clarity about past events. After I had booked my first session some doubts started to creep in. I thought, “I help people for a living, so why can’t I just help myself?” Essentially, the idea of going to therapy made me feel like a fraud.

My first session

I carried these thoughts all the way to my first session. After the initial greetings we explored the reasons why I was attending therapy. It was a simple question but I really struggled to articulate myself. My therapist listened intently and gave me space. She didn’t try to finish my sentences or interject with her interpretations.

As the session progressed I decided to voice the doubts about my legitimacy to seek help from therapy. She was really good about it and wasn’t fazed. We explored a variety of past and present factors that could’ve given rise to imposter syndrome within me.

Revelation

I realised that my struggle with being at therapy was a symptom of an unexplored part of my psyche. It was a defensive reaction that stemmed from my long standing belief that I should always be self-sufficient. This new discovery was humbling.

Ending the session

My therapist acknowledged my honesty and thanked me for being able to trust her with this information. She also acknowledged my new discovery and encouraged me to not to rush the process, but allow change to happen in its own time.

I understand that my experience may not apply to everyone, but I hope you’ve been able to take something from it to help you navigate the world of therapy.


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Wellspring Counselling is not a crisis service so if you or someone you know are thinking about suicide please call the Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 or 000 for emergency situations. For emotional distress please call Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636 or Mensline Australia 1300 78 99 78.