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Potential clients can worry about what they should bring to therapy, what they should be ready to talk about, and what to expect when starting. This blog post is to help first time clients to feel at ease when making the biggest step towards healing: the first session.
Each provider may have a different way of conducting an initial session, but the standard is consistent. Our goal is to get to know you, and to begin building a relationship with you. This will include going over your intake form, a counselling contract, asking lots of questions about you, your relationships and supports, your coping mechanisms, therapy expectations, and of course, for you to ask us questions about us and our services. Our therapists are open, relatable, and able to answer any questions you may have about us. If you would like, you can bring a list of concerns, strengths, and things you would like to see happen to the first session. Water and snacks are always recommended for before and after your session (or during) as sessions can be just as physically demanding as they are emotionally and mentally. These are big steps you are taking showing up to your appointment. Honesty is a necessary part of therapy. We are not here to judge or tell you what to do, being honest simply allows for us to have a cohesive therapeutic relationship and find solutions that will be effective. As therapists, we have seen that clients that bring genuine honesty experience the best results. Allow time for processing and rest after your session, find kindness for yourself as you are in moments of vulnerability. Emotions and reactions such as crying, anger, pain, laughter, silence and more are all absolutely welcome and normal to experience in sessions. We will be present in those moments with empathy right beside you. This link offers great advice on how to process and take care after your first session.
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Here is an updated list of the most commonly asked questions when looking for a therapist.
Q: Do you offer in-person and virtual? A: Yes! We offer in-person at our St. Boniface location, and virtual across Canada. Q: Do you offer evening and weekend appointments? A: We offer a range of appointment times, including evening availability. Each therapist has control over their own schedule, this can be answered in your meet and greet. Q: What are your rates? A: You can find each practitioners specific service rates at the booking link as the rates can differ between services such as short session counselling vs couples counselling. Q: Do you direct bill/will my insurance cover your services? A: Ask your provider if they are offering direct billing in your meet and greet or during your appointment time. Your coverage will depend on your insurance plan. We do provide receipts for you to submit to your provider. We cannot guarantee coverage, and we encourage you to get in touch with your insurance provider to see what qualifications they will cover. Q: How do I pay? A: We accept cash, e-transfer, and credit card. Clients can enter a valid credit card or visa debit into our secure telehealth app Jane, shortly after your appointment your card will be charged by your practitioner, and you will receive a receipt. If you are e-transfering, we ask that you send the e-transfer at the time of your appointment and you will receive a receipt once the appointment has finished. Your card will not be charged unless you have an outstanding balance beyond 30 days, or a cancellation fee is processed. Q: Do you diagnose? A: No, we cannot diagnose or prescribe medication as counselling therapists. We support those who are looking to receive a diagnosis, and provide self-guided assessments for those who are wondering if they fit the criteria for certain mental health diagnosis. We believe in validating your experience, support for symptoms, and collaborative exploration around disorders. Q: How long will I have to do therapy for? A: The length of time people utilize therapy services ranges. We know there can be barriers to accessing care such as time limits, responsibilities, and other factors that require our attention, energy, and time. If you are wondering this, this is a great question to bring to the meet and greet. Your counsellor will be able to ask you the necessary questions to determine what your needs and lifestyle looks like, and your expectations from therapy. Q: How long are therapy sessions, and how often do I have to come? A: For a regular in-person or virtual session, it is an hour. We also offer short 30-minute sessions, and 90-minute sessions for couples and families. Frequency will be dependant on your needs, lifestyle, budget, and can also fluctuate with progress and life events that come up. Q: Will therapy work? I feel like my situation is unique, or a lot to handle. A: We experience all types of situations in our line of work, and we really mean that. Our therapists are trained to be able to break down and explore complex situations, as well as acute situations that some question if they are worthy to bring to therapy. A therapist is a great support to have in developing many aspects of yourself, the world around you, and the relationships you have. While therapy can be challenging, we find most clients committed to making the most out of therapy find it effective and walk away with new tools, coping skills, ways of being in relationship with yourself and others, and new ways of thinking about things. Participation in sessions, willingness to look inwards and outwards, willingness to try out new behaviours and having the right fit with a therapist can make all the difference. Some people find themselves making big changes in their life, and some find acceptance in areas of their life that they were questioning. Each person's therapeutic experience looks different, but our providers are flexible in approach's to develop a plan that works for you. Q: What is your cancellation policy? A: In order to fill your reserved time, we need 24 hours notice if you cannot make your appointment. If the 24 hours has passed, the practitioner reserves the right to charge for the appointment fee. It is best to discuss the cancellation policy with your practitioner as they will confirm the policy with you during the meet and greet. If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact your therapist. Watch for another post on what to expect in your first session, and how to prepare yourself for therapy sessions! |
AuthorAleteah is the author of this blog, and a practitioner at Blue Sage Therapy. Archives
December 2024
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