Lucy Payton 
Have you recently been thinking about starting therapy? If the answer is yes, then you may be excited about it, but the truth is that you are also bound to be a bit confused, and possibly even scared, not knowing what to expect and how to really take this first, overwhelming step. Whether you are dealing with relationship challenges, anxiety, stress, or anything else that you may need help with, reaching out for help definitely requires some courage. The good news is that therapy has become rather accessible and accepted in places like Vancouver, where mental health awareness continues to grow.
Read more about it in general: https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy
If you are considering therapy for the very first time, though, it is completely normal for you to be a bit confused about it all, and to now be sure what to do and what to expect. What we are going to be talking about right now, thus, is precisely that, hoping to help you get a better idea about how to begin, as that could make the entire process feel much more manageable. So, without any further ado, thus, let us tell you more about taking the first step towards therapy in Vancouver.
Reasons to Do It
A lot of people postpone making the decision to, well, start therapy, and this is often because they believe that they don’t need it, because they are still not struggling enough. This, however, is the wrong thing to do, as there is definitely no single right or wrong reason to get help. To put it simply, clients in Vancouver seek support for a wider range of issues and concerns, such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family issues, work-related burnout, trauma or past experiences, life transitions, and similar. So, whatever kind of a concern you have, if you’ve decided to go for it, then go for it, and don’t try to find a reason that fits neatly into one category or another, because all reasons are perfectly legitimate.
What Therapy Looks Like
Now, if you have never been to therapy in the past, then you may be a bit unsure about what to expect from it in the first place. And, well, you should know that this will be a safe and confidential place for you to explore your specific processes. This is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, a process during which you explore your challenges together and develop strategies for change. So, your therapist acts kind of like a guide that helps you gain insight and perspective, and they use different approaches, such as psychodynamic, CBT, trauma-informed therapy and various others.
What to Expect From the First Session
Okay, but what is it that you should expect during the first session? Well, when you get in touch with the Avery Therapy Centre counselling clinic, for instance, and get connected with a therapist, you will schedule an initial session. That session will consist of a discussion about your current challenges, mental health history and personal history, as well as therapy goals. The first session is all about getting to know you, setting goals and building a comfortable atmosphere.
Finding the Right Therapist Matters
Everyone that is starting therapy in Vancouver should understand one thing perfectly. Put things simply, finding the right therapist is of utmost importance. Meaning, thus, that you want to be careful here, and you don’t want to make any kinds of random decisions, before doing your research.
Of course, with so many different options out there, finding the right therapist can feel quite daunting. So, you may not be sure how to make this choice. Well, start by making a list of potential candidates by asking around and searching online. And then take your time to do some further research.
Check the Credentials
Speaking of further research, you should absolutely begin with checking the credentials. In short, you want the therapist you choose (more info) to be qualified and licensed to practice. These credentials ensure that your therapist actually has the proper training and follows all the ethical guidelines.
Consider Compatibility
Moving on, considering compatibility is absolutely important here. Why, though? And what does it precisely mean? Time to find out.
In short, the relationship you will develop with your therapist is one of the most important factors in a successful therapeutic process. So, you want to be compatible with the pro you choose, and you want to feel comfortable. Thus, use the initial session to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and check if you’re feeling comfortable.
Explore the Online Option
Here is another important thing to know. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to fit in a therapy session, and you can read more about therapy in general at https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/psychotherapy, together with commuting, into it, there is a solution. The same goes for if you would prefer to have the sessions from the comfort of your own home, or if you have any other reasons to want to do this online.
In short, online options do exist. So, explore them. Think about how useful that can be. Decide between in-person and online. And then go for the option that would work best for you.
