Worried about seeing a psychologist for the first time? These steps can help you have a positive experience.
For many people, taking the plunge and going to see a counsellor or psychologist is a daunting prospect. If you are worried about taking this big step, you are not alone. There are many potential worries about the process that can stop you getting the help you need.
People come to see us with all sorts of concerns, including questions about relationship counselling, anger management or anxiety treatment, or to get ongoing help with with previously diagnosed issues, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, or panic attacks, among others. During the free counselling consultations that we offer at the clinic, our team of therapists hear many of the worries that many people have about starting treatment.
People are often anxious about having to open up to a complete stranger about very private things they perhaps haven’t told even those closest to them. Then there are the worries that the person is going to judge you, or not understand or not be able to help. You may be worried about the cost involved, in terms of both money and time. You may have put off going because you hoped the problem would sort itself out, or you may simply not want to face the emotions involved in talking about it. These worries are all totally normal, especially if you have never been to see a counsellor or psychologist before.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering taking this big step, which should help you maximise your chance of a great experience.
So how can you guarantee you get it right first time?
Although there is no guarantee you will get the right fit the first time when you are trying to find a psychologist to help you, the steps we have gone through should take a lot of the risk out of the equation for you. We understand the difficulty involved in finding that right person to help you. Booking a brief complimentary consultations with a psychologist to get to know them before you embark on your journey to recovery and discuss your issues in person to see if they feel right for you is a good first step. If you have been struggling with your issues for a while, but worried about going to see a counsellor or psychologist for the first time, give it a go. What have you got to lose?
