Have you often wondered or felt apprehensive about what to expect from your first session visiting a Psychologist?
So you’ve made the decision to see one of our Clinical Psychologists here at Creating Change. But are you left wondering what to expect? What will happen, how will the session unfold?
These are the questions many are wondering. You may even be feeling apprehensive about attending the first session. We hope we can put your mind at ease by opening our doors to assist you in preparing for your first session, and make it feel less daunting.
Once you’ve made an appointment with one of our Psychologists, you will be asked to come in 15 minutes early so you can read our practice information, and complete a brief questionnaire and consent form. This is a good time for you to sit, take a breath and familiarise yourself with the practice. We provide a warm welcome and a cup of tea to ease any nerves whilst you wait. Your Psychologist will then meet with you, and take you through to our comfortable appointment rooms.
Feel safe and re-assured
All our sessions are conducted in a safe and confidential environment. Our highly skilled Clinical Psychologists are passionate about making you feel as relaxed as possible. In the initial appointment, our therapists will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current life situation and the factors that have influenced the development of difficulties. The key focus is to identify how we will facilitate change for you to create a sense of wellbeing, contentment and connectedness.
The assessment aims to develop a personalised plan to achieve your goals. We understand that talking to someone new about your difficulties and goals in life may provoke anxiety, and so we will aim to put you at ease in your first appointment. If there is a difficult history like childhood trauma we may take it slow, not going into detail of the traumas, but rather focus on developing confidence in your therapist and stabilising your current symptoms.
We will provide you with an estimation of the length of treatment, frequency of sessions and what you will be required to do. As treatment is a collaborative process, meaning we will work together, you will be highly involved in the decision making. It is ideal to book in all your future sessions required after the first appointment to ensure you have continuity of treatment. Having a regular time that suits your weekly schedule will ensure your personal development remains a priority.
Ensuring you feel open to ask questions
If you have any questions during the session it is essential you ask them. We are full of information but we aren’t able read your mind. If you at any time feel uncomfortable please let us know. Sometimes it takes time to develop a relationship with your therapist. We understand this and encourage you to discuss your experiences with us. If you are keen to makes changes sooner rather than later you can book your second session in within the same week to start the treatment ball rolling.
Written by Rebecca Deane (Senior Clinical Psychologist) – www.creatingchange.net.au
We are located in the Bella Vista – Hills District, Sydney, NSW. Please contact us should you require an appointment.
