First psychological consultation
What happens during the first meeting with a psychologist?
How do I prepare myself? What will I be asked about?
How does the first meeting with psychologist looks like?
Even though an increasing number of people are choosing to see a psychologist these days, for a large group of people the first meeting still often raises some significant concerns. Some people in need of psychological support, for example, refrain from consultations due to the fear of the unknown or because they are unsure of what is really going on during their first visit to a psychologist.
What is the goal of the first psychological consultation?
- To learn the client's problem, to initiate the process of the diagnosis and to determine further possible steps of the psychological help.
During the first meeting, the psychologist will conduct a consultation that will help you understand your problem better and look at your situation from a broader perspective.
- The psychologist may use psychological interview methods or diagnostic tests, although primarily the meeting will involve a conversation.
- At the end of the meeting, the psychologist will share his/her observations with you and leave space for a joint consideration of the best courses of action to take for your situation.
What kind of questions can I expect?
- During your first meeting, you can expect to be asked questions that will help gather information about you and the problem you are reporting - the psychologist will want to know your life situation. He or she will certainly ask what the reason for the visit is and what he or she can help you with. Among other things, you may hear questions such as:
- How long has your problem been going on?
- What symptomes are you experiencing?
- Has this problem occurred before?
- How do you cope?
- What would you like to change as a result of meetings with a psychologist?
First online visit - how to prepare?
- You don't have to prepare specially for a meeting with a psychologist. All you need to do is to make yourself as comfortable as possible!
Don't be afraid that some things will be difficult for you to describe or call things by name. The psychologist, by asking the right questions, will help you define what you are experiencing.
- Every psychologist is bound by professional secrecy - so everything you say will be safe with him or her.
- The psychologist will not pressure you or persuade you to discuss the topics that you are simply not ready for yet.
- The most important thing is your comfort and safety - choose a quiet and secluded place, away from household members.
- If you need it - get a glass of water or something warm to drink 🙂
The first consultation and what is next?
- The first consultations (usually 1-3), result in an initial diagnosis made by the psychologist and the client's recognition of the aspects on which he or she would like to work further.
- It may also turn out that the first consultation is enough and sufficient for the needs of the client. In this case, the cooperation with the psychologist will end at this stage.
- If the client and the psychologist decide to continue working together after the first consultations - the psychologist will provide a detailed plan of assistance and give information about the further possibilities of the cooperation.
- It may also be that the psychologist, for various reasons (out of concern for your well-being), will recommend you to use the services of another professional.
First visit - when to decide to see a psychologist?
If you are struggling with a situation that you cannot solve on your own, you are going through a difficult period in your life, you do not get joy from everyday life or you are experiencing suffering, a psychologist may be able to help you. Even in a situation where it is difficult for you to determine what is happening, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation.
How do I know that I should seek psychological support? Now is the moment – the answer that most specialists would definitely agree with. If you’ve been thinking about it for some time and some things just don’t change, then it’s probably worth getting help from a professional.