So you’ve decided to seek online therapy and may be anxious about what to expect. In essence, online therapy isn’t very different from in-person sessions at a therapist’s practice. The results from online and in-person sessions are not that different either. In fact, this study found that online therapy is just as beneficial for depression intervention as in-person therapy.
If you’ve never experience psychotherapy online before, it’s normal to feel a little curious or even concerned by the process. However, there is no need to worry. The most important thing is that you’ve decided to address the issues that are impacting your life. Check below for a handful of things you can anticipate from your first online therapy session.
Signing Consent Forms and Maintaining Confidentiality
This step typically comes before the actual session, as you may receive consent forms via email or the portal used by the therapy platform. You should read these forms carefully and submit them before the session as consent must be given before therapy can begin.
In addition to the forms, your therapist will acquaint you with consent and confidentiality issues related to your sessions with him or her. Your therapist will help you to understand what information has client-therapist confidentiality and what information he or she may be obliged to report to law enforcement if it becomes necessary. Again, this is something that’s routine in the first session and you won’t have to worry about it in subsequent sessions unless you change your therapist and start with a new one.
Since online therapy is done in your space, you will need to take into account privacy concerns at your location just as your therapist does at his or her end. Under normal circumstances, therapy is conducted in closed-door spaces with no intrusion. However, this may not always be possible with online therapy where you’re in your own space. As a result, your therapist may suggest ways to ensure your privacy when you’re in a session. Common suggestions include:
- Using ear buds or headphones
- Putting your phone on silent or do not disturb mode
- Closing the door to your room
- Turning off smart devices like speakers that may “listen” to your session
Confirming Identity and Location
Your therapist will likely ask for your ID during your first session to confirm who you are. Most online therapy platforms allow you to upload and send scanned copies of the documents your therapist needs. Your therapist may also inquire about your current location. This is because online therapy is available nationwide and this knowledge helps your therapist to learn more about your background while ensuring you can be reached in case there’s an emergency.
Introducing Yourself and Discussing the Reason You Came to Therapy
Your first session will mostly focus on your therapist getting to know you and vice versa. Your therapist will also ask you to explain the reason you are seeking therapy. This information will guide future therapy sessions and help your therapist to tailor treatment for your specific needs. There is no universal approach to therapy, so if you are seeking help for a past trauma you may require a different therapeutic approach than someone who needs assistance with relationship issues. Some therapists may ask questions themselves while others may give you the floor to speak freely about anything and everything you want to in order to introduce yourself.
You should expect to talk about the following:
- Age
- Occupation
- Family members
- Education
- Living situation (shared space, renting, traveling, etc.)
- Relationship status
- Pet ownership
- Diagnosed physical or mental health issues
- Sexual orientation
Usually, the first session in therapy, whether online or in-person, is for the therapist to learn some basic things about you and your life while also acquainting you with how therapy works.
Discussing the Best Way to Communicate
A key part of your first online therapy session is a discussion about how you prefer to communicate. Many virtual therapists and counselors also utilize text messages and voice messages to keep in touch with their clients. Most of your appointments will be face to face online video sessions. However, you may have an audio only session if you’re in a place where you can’t turn on a video camera or you are experiencing a technical issue.
Your therapist may also provide you with a variety of communication methods that you can use in case you need help. Many online therapists share their contact numbers if you want to contact them urgently. However, they may not always be able to get back to their clients immediately as they may be working with another client at that time.
Setting Therapeutic Goals
Since online therapy is much more than just a meet and greet, your therapist may start talking about your current issues during your first session. The more open you are about your issues at the start of therapy the better it is for you in the long run. The sooner your therapist has a good grasp of what is affecting you, the sooner you can start to work on those specific problems. So try to lower your defenses and speak honestly about the issues you are facing in your life.
Talking about your issues also helps you and your therapist to set realistic therapeutic goals and expectations. This will help you to track your progress and grow in confidence as your your treatment continues. One session may not be enough for your therapist to get a complete picture of everything you want to accomplish in treatment and that’s ok! In future sessions, your therapist will help you to refine and work towards your targets.
Helpful Tip: Before your online therapy session, make a list of things that may be bothering you or things you would like to be better at.
Finding the Right Therapist
Working with the right therapist is crucial for long term healing. So use your first session to find out whether your current therapist meet your expectations and is right for you. Some online therapy platforms try to match you with a mental health professional based on your presenting problems, as therapists may specialize in treating certain issues. If you first session is not enough for you to decide whether to stick with your therapist, it is recommended that you give him or her another session or two before you commit long term or ask for a referral.
