Beginning online counselling therapy in Calgary is a step that many people are taking for the first time, given the pandemic’s effects on traditional, in-person counselling. Although you may feel nervous about your first online counselling session, fretting is unnecessary. In this blog, our team at Prevail Psychology will take you through how to prepare for your first online counselling session.
What to Know About Online Counselling Therapy?
While online therapy may seem alien, you will soon feel familiar with using a virtual medium for your therapy sessions. Online therapy, or teletherapy, comes in many forms, with some offices offering video conferencing, text messaging-based therapy, audio-only sessions, or a combination of these. Before you begin any of these services, consider the advantages and disadvantages of each and fit your expectations to the mode you choose.
When it comes to expectations, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that progress will not happen overnight. Both you and your psychologist in Calgary will need a couple of sessions to become familiar with one another and build up a rapport. Be patient, and don’t feel discouraged if you do not immediately notice results.
How To Get Started?
If you already have a psychologist near you, you have arranged to meet online or over the phone. If you do not have a psychologist, a quick google search should provide some good options. Ask friends and family for recommendations, and look into psychologist availability before deciding.
Scheduling your first appointment is simple, call the phone number listed and answer some questions about what you would like to get out of your sessions. Feel free to ask any questions and voice your concerns so that you can be matched with a psychologist that is a great fit for you. Once your first appointment has been established, mark it in your calendar.
Your First Session
To prepare for your first appointment, ensure that you have a private place to communicate with your psychologist and sufficient lighting and internet connection to make the connection clear and crisp during your session.
It is normal to feel some mixed emotions as your first session approaches. You may feel anxious about sharing your struggles with a stranger. Understanding that these nerves won’t last forever may help ease your anxiety. Spending time before your first session relaxing and taking deep breaths can help you feel more confident and prepared.
During this first session, your psychologist will begin by getting to know you, asking about where you work, what you enjoy doing in your free time, your friends and family, and what some stressors in your life are. As your sessions progress, you can expect your conversations to delve deeper into specific subjects. You will collaborate with your psychologist to develop strategies and goals for improving your mental health.
After Your Session Concludes
A therapy session can bring some intense emotions to the surface, and it is a good idea to allow yourself to sit with those emotions. Try to get the most out of your session, and schedule some time for post-session reflection. Some things you can do during this time include:
- Writing down any important points that came up
- Meditating
- Doing light stretches and breathing exercises
- Journaling about how you feel
If you want to take advantage of online mental health counselling, please get in touch with our team at Prevail Psychology. We are happy to find you your best match and get you started on your mental health journey.