What to Expect From Your Initial Online Therapy Session?

What to Expect From Your Initial Online Therapy Session?

One of the greatest barriers preventing people from receiving the assistance they require with their mental health concerns is not knowing which therapist to select. It is simple to determine whether a therapist is a good fit for you after attending the first online therapy session.

Online platforms like Inquire Talk, which differ from traditional therapy, make it easy to switch therapists. You can compare hundreds of qualified psychotherapists, therapists, and counsellors through internet therapy platforms.

There are now more young people than ever who are struggling with mental health concerns, and most of them are not getting the support they require. To set up your first online appointment, you need to be self-aware enough to admit that you need help.

How to Get Ready For Your First Session with an Online Therapist?

It is better to be prepared for your first online therapy session. Online counselling differs from conventional treatment in that it allows you to select a therapist with whom you feel at ease and allows you to discuss your issues whenever you like.

For those who have never had medical treatment, it is now simpler and less expensive. It’s crucial to choose your preferred communication method, such as text, audio, or video, before your first online therapy session. Verify the functionality of your communication device, such as your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Verify that the camera and microphone are in working order.

Furthermore, the clarity of your video call depends on your internet connection. If you want a secure and lag-free experience, you can use a private Wi-Fi connection.

Public connections can often be hacked and are frequently unstable. Even personal Wi-Fi connections sometimes fail, so it’s always a good idea to have a backup internet connection. You should decide what will make you feel most comfortable as you begin treatment, such as taking notes or setting goals for your sessions.

Consider the following before your first online therapy session:

Decide in advance of your first appointment what topics you want to discuss during therapy. Make some notes to help you recall the particular topics you wish to cover. The following are some thoughts to consider:

• What are the goals of your therapy?
• What results are you hoping to achieve?
• Which emotion are you trying to express?
• What coping skills do you now employ?
• What are you hoping to change?

It is common you feel worse after your first session about the difficult memories or topics discussed.  If you are willing to face challenging emotions and make an effort to comprehend them, you will grow and change in healthy ways. With the help of a qualified therapist who maintains your confidentiality, listens attentively to your concerns, and confronts you in a respectful manner, you will discover that online counselling is a valuable use of your time and money.

What to anticipate from your first consultation with online therapy?

You get the opportunity to assess whether you and the therapist will get along during the first session of your online therapy.

Since there isn’t a physical waiting area in online therapy, you will join the online session once you’ve settled in and have a strong internet connection by clicking the link your therapist offers.

This will take you to a private room that functions as a virtual “waiting room” inside your therapist’s secure virtual meeting software. After that, you will need to wait until your therapist starts your private session.

The first session will likely be filled with a lot of inquiries from the therapist. The majority of the questions you’ll be asked by your therapist will be open-ended. This allows you to reflect and open yourself while preventing the therapist from doing too much guiding.

Your therapist will enquire about your symptoms, your coping style, and yourself. Additionally, you can talk about your expectations, therapy objectives, and other subjects. Some online platforms, like Inquire Talk, let you switch therapists at no additional fee after the consultation if you’re not satisfied with the session. You can ask for advice about a new therapist by reaching us to our support.

Most frequent inquiries during therapy consultations

You will gain by being open and honest with your therapist. Additionally, depending on the type of treatment you receive or the quantity of sessions you attend, you might not be able to engage in every element of your life. They might interrogate you about the things listed below:

• Why do you want to consult a therapist?
• How long have these signs been present?
• What prompted your decision to start therapy?
• Have you ever sought therapy?
• What do you hope to get out of therapy?
• How did your social development progress?
• Do any of your relatives—parents, siblings, or other blood relatives—have a history of mental illness?
• How have you responded to difficulties in the past under various conditions?
• What coping skills do you employ?
• What do you like to do to kill time?
• How is your quality of life?
• How are things doing at work or in school?
• What time do you typically eat?
• What time do you go to bed?
• Are you a drug user? Alternatively, has anyone you know used drugs?
• Have you ever been in a hospital?
• Have you ever considered suicide?

Tell your therapist if any inquiries cause you any discomfort. Do not allow them to press you for a response if you are uncomfortable or do not want to respond to a certain question.

Get Help Right Now!

Online counselling is a great alternative to traditional in-person therapy. Due of its practicality and efficiency, it is expected to remain well-liked.

During your online therapy session, most of what you say to your therapist will be kept private. Online counselling helps millions of individuals across the world feel their best.

Here are few certified therapists who you can get in touch and book a therapy session with:

Sarah Jack

Nicola Keenan

Jennifer Campbell Kirk