How to Prepare for a Therapy Appointment

So you've done it! You started therapy and are on the road to changing your life! Congrats! Therapy can be a great experience - one that is challenging and uncomfortable at times, yes, but incredibly rewarding. Your therapist will give you a few tips for making your sessions great, but here are a few key things for making them even better:
1. Completely silence your cell phone
     Devices making noise during your session can disrupt the focus and flow of the therapeutic treatment. Make sure your device is completely silenced so that it does not even vibrate.
2. Use the bathroom beforehand
     Nothing makes it harder to focus on your treatment than needing to use the bathroom! Use the restroom before coming to your appointment, or before sitting down in the waiting room.
3. Wash your hands
     At most clinics, the therapeutic tools are cleansed and sanitized daily, but please wash your hands right when you arrive to help maintain a clean therapy space.
4. Take deep breaths
      It is okay to be nervous before your therapy appointment! This is normal. Taking deep breaths on the way to your session, as well as in the waiting room, can help calm your nerves. (Here is a cute video to teach you a simple breathing exercise!) If you are still highly anxious when it's time for your appointment to start, notify your therapist and they can help address your fears. 
5. Think about your goals
     Reflect on your last appointment, any homework you were given to work on, how you have been doing since your last session, and what your needs are for this appointment. You and your therapist will have a treatment plan that you are following, but it is a good idea to think about if you have any specific needs for that day.
6. Celebrate your progress
     Even showing up for your appointment is a big deal! You are taking steps to improve your life and your emotional health, and sometimes it can be a lot of work. Don't forget to celebrate the small steps along the way, and allow yourself to be excited about the work you are doing to change your life!
​You've got this!

Did this information spark interest in improving your life through therapy? Request an appointment with a therapist today!

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