What happens during the first therapy session with a therapist/psychiatrist?

I have been suffering low self esteem/shyness almost my entire life. I am 24 years old and I feel like it's taking over my life. I know the sessions are expensive, but I feel like I need the help. What happens during the first session? I am so nervous. Also, when do they prescribe the medicine? usually on the first session?|||Hello!





First, you have taken the first step towards a happier you, so congrats on that!!! Taking the first step is always the hardest. Soon you will be happier and feeling better about yourself.





Typcially the first session is more of a getting to know you. Your therapist/psychiatrist will most likely ask you questions about your life, family, friends, work/school, social life etc. He/she will most likely also ask about your past and childhood to get a general idea of your past and experiences, this will help "diagnose" or diret him/her where to take future appointments/sessions.





Most likely medication would not be perscribed on your first visit. Once the therapist/psychiatrist gets a good understanding of what your problems he/she will know what medication is best for you. Now, if you are dealing with low self esteem and shyness only, I would suggest possibly starting off with a psychologist, therapist or counselor. A session with one of these previously mentioned people would be less expensive than a psychiatrist. Mostly, although there are exceptions, psychiatrists perscribe medications and that is all they tend to do. A psychologist, therapist or counselor will spend each session talking to you to help sort through your low self esteem and shyness. If the psychologist, therapist or counselor feels as though medication is necessary they might refer you to a psychiatrist who would then perscribe you medication. If you are feeling really depressed, then you might want to go to a psychiatrist right away. Just think things through since you might be able to save some money. : )





Overall, don't worry about the first session. I know it is easier said then done, but you will be so much happier in the future. A word to the wise, it is important to find someone that you feel comfortable with and trust. Therefore, if you go to a one session and you don't feel comfortable try going to someone else. In order to feel happier you should feel comfortable talking to the person that is helping you.





I hope that I have helped and I wish you the best of luck with all that is to come.|||The first session is generally a get to know you session for both you and the therapist. Here's how they are usually structured:


When you arrive, some therapists have you fill out a form responding to questions about what brings you to counseling, some questions about your history, your social situation, etc. Others address these questions in the course of the interview. Most therapists will start out by going over the structure of therapy: confidentiality, length of the sessions, costs, cancellations, etc.


The therapist will generally ask you about what your problem is, how long you have had it and what you have tried to do about it. You will be asked about your family and growing up. Most therapists do a kind of review of systems: your social supports, work, interests, physical health, financial status, history of abuse. If you have filled out a form to start with, the therapist will review it with you. Finally, the therapist will give you a preliminary idea of what he/she thinks is going on with you, what might help, and the general techniques that will be used to help you. Then the two of you will decide whether you will continue to work together.


You don't have to feel completely at ease with the therapist in order to continue with him/ her, but you should feel that it is possible to talk to this person and recognize that you will grow more comfortable over time. If you have a completely negative reaction to the therapist (unlikely, but it happens), you should try someone else.|||They just get to know you. Ask what is bothering you. Don't feel like the therapist if judging you. Take it as a way to learn who you are and change what may make you're life difficult. Don't be nervous. I think a pyschiatrist is only allowed to prescribe medicine and that is only when they feel you need. If they diagnose you with high anxiety or any other stress related issue, try yoga and other relaxing methods first before medication. It may help alot and save you lots of bucks on medications not to mention later in life issues.|||Typically you would see a counselor or therapist if you want weekly sessions. Only a psychiatrist or a medical doctor can prescribe drugs. You may want to talk to your primary care physician first. they can probably prescribe something and can refer you to a counselor (might need this step depending on your insurance). Most counselors have a sliding scale for a percentage of their client load. When you call they can talk to you about cost and insurance and co pays. If you are in college your school probably has some sort of counseling center or a relationship with an outside person for their students. The cost of this is free or minimal.





When you get in to see the therapist you will just get to know each other. You need to build rapport and make sure that you can work together and feel comfortable with one another. Each counselor is different in how they do this. Some will just ask general questions and initiate conversation. Others may do some projective testing like ink blots to get started. A lot depends on the type of counselor they are. There are different types of therapies and depending on their theoretical approach they will treat you slightly differently. For example, a humanistic counselor will do mostly talk therapy and reflective listening, a behaviorist will set you up on changing your behaviors and identifying reinforcers for your behaviors. A cognitive person may work more on restructuring the way you see things. Most counselors use a combination of several theories and will be flexible to best help you. If you don't feel comfortable with a therapist it is okay to say so and maybe see someone else that might be better suited for you. No matter who you see you should expect "homework" this might be some journaling or trying a new activity. Remember that the work you do is not limited to the time in the office. It will take time and hard work on your part to feel better. Good luck.