You’ve taken a big step toward better mental health by deciding to seek professional help and start counseling. The journey to self-improvement has just begun. It’s normal to feel nervous or scared about your first session, especially if you’ve never been to therapy before or have worries about privacy or insurance. But there are simple ways to ease your anxiety, which can help you get the most out of your counseling journey.

If you have your first session coming up or are still deciding about therapy, here are six tips to help you prepare:

1. Remember that it’s normal to be intimidated by the first session. Understand that your counselor’s goal is to help you improve and support you, not to judge you for your past actions.

2. Trust your therapist. Counseling clinics like Insight Northwest Counseling aim to be your support system, not to expose your weaknesses.

3. Celebrate your decision to start therapy. Opening up to a stranger about your thoughts, experiences, and struggles is a brave step toward better mental health.

4. Know that your first session is just the beginning. Write down your therapy goals and share them with your therapist so they can better understand what you hope to achieve.

5. Prepare questions before your session. It’s okay to ask anything that’s on your mind, including questions about billing, insurance, and scheduling.

6. Be as open and honest as you can. It’s tough to share your feelings, especially if you’re not used to it, but it’s essential for getting the most out of therapy.

Before your appointment, make sure to set aside time to mentally and emotionally prepare. Clear your schedule so you can focus and reflect on the session afterward. This helps ensure you understand and absorb the information shared.

Starting mental health counseling can be challenging, but the first steps are usually the hardest. By preparing yourself, you’ll feel more confident and reduce anxiety, making your journey to better mental health and wellness more effective.