Tips to Reduce Anxiety Before Your First Meeting With a Therapist

Do you feel uneasy talking to a stranger about anxiety?

Are you worried your therapist won’t understand you?

Are you nervous about bringing up old feelings?

 These are all common fears for those who’ve never gone to therapy. But don’t worry; you’re not the only one! Therapists are trained to listen; they are not there to judge you, but rather to help you work through your anxiety.

A therapist will listen carefully and come up with a treatment plan specifically for you, and address any issues you may need help working through.

You may feel nervous before going to your first meeting with a new therapist. That’s normal!

Here are some tips to help reduce those feelings of anxiety:

1. When calling to make an appointment, ask them what you should expect when coming to see them for the first time. Often they will want to get to know a little bit about you and why you have decided to see them. 
2. Know that your therapist is not going to make you do anything you don’t want to. They’re trained to work at your pace and they know that change isn’t easy for everyone! 
3. Don’t be afraid of sharing too much. Go in with an open mind knowing that the first session is for you and your therapist to get to know each other. 
4. Asking your therapist on the phone about their therapeutic style and approach is a great way to get to know them before you meet in person. You can get an idea if they’re a good match for you and calm your nerves at the same time. 
5.  Feeling sad after a therapy session can be normal. Your old feelings and memories often come back up and can make you feel nervous about going to your next session. The beginning stages can be overwhelming, but stick with it! 

Remember that therapy looks different for everyone. Some use it occasionally or when a life event occurs. You may use it once a month for the next two years.

There is no one formula for everyone. Talking out a plan with your therapist to find out what works best for you is key.

The most important thing to remember is that your therapist is here for you! They’re not here to judge, but to help.

Trust the process and go in with an open mind. Building that trust with your therapist will help make your journey a success!

If you’re interested in meeting with one of our experienced therapists in Alma please call and make an appointment today at: 989-796-4555.

How to Choose a Counselor or a Therapist

Are you looking for the right therapist near Alma, Michigan?

Are there times where you feel like you can’t find anyone to talk to?

Are you having a tough time finding the right therapist for you?

You’re not alone! There are many people who have the same concerns. Take some time to think about how you’re feeling and consider what you’re looking for. There are a multitude of things to look for in a counselor and one of the first and most important is that you are comfortable.

Some characteristics of a good therapist that you may want to consider are:

1. Experience and length of time in the field
2. Areas of expertise
3. License
4. Fees
5. The kinds of treatment he or she offers

We recommend that you look for a therapist who fits what you’re looking for in each of these categories. Many people out there have symptoms, but they don’t always seek help because they don’t know what to look for or where to start looking. Finding the right therapist will help ensure you make huge personal progress.

Here at Gratiot Psychological Services, we’re looking out for those in need of help. We have highly trained therapists in Alma who will give you the best environment possible with the support you’ll need. The right match is important to you and it’s important to us too! If you’re consistently worried, depressed, anxious, or on edge, don’t hesitate to give us a call for a consultation today!