You’ve made a great choice for your mental health by deciding to seek professional help and begin counseling. This is an important step toward self-improvement, even though the first session might feel a bit intimidating. It’s common to feel nervous or scared, especially if you’ve never been to therapy before and have concerns about privacy or insurance coverage.

To help ease your anxiety and prepare for a productive counseling journey, here are six tips to get ready for your first mental health counseling session.

First, recognize that it’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about your first session. Remember, your counselor’s goal is to support you and help you improve your mental health, not to judge you. Trusting your therapist is key to getting the most out of the process.

Starting therapy is a big decision, and it takes a lot of courage to open up to a stranger about your thoughts and struggles. Give yourself credit for taking this brave step. It’s the beginning of a journey, not a one-time meeting.

It’s helpful to write down your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Share these with your therapist during your first session so they can better understand your needs and support you in reaching your objectives.

The session is all about you, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are no wrong questions, and while your therapist might not have all the answers, they will guide you toward finding them. Prepare a list of questions beforehand so you remember to ask them, including those about billing, insurance, and scheduling. Clarity will help you feel more comfortable.

Being open and honest about your feelings and thoughts can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. However, transparency is crucial for getting the most out of counseling. You don’t need to share everything in the first session, but try to be as open as possible to build trust with your therapist.

Lastly, make sure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for your session. Clear your schedule before and after your appointment to give yourself time to reflect and internalize what you discuss. This time for yourself can help you process the information and better understand your progress.

While mental health counseling can be daunting, the hardest part is often taking the first step. By preparing yourself, you can reduce anxiety and feel more confident as you embark on this journey toward better mental health and wellness.