Online Therapy Texas: What to Expect From Your First Online Therapy Session

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Are you anxious about talking about and working on your anxiety?! I know I was when first coming for online therapy. In the past blogs of this series, I mentioned trying to set up a free consultation before the first session. This may alleviate some of that anxiety and answer some the questions you may have.

Even with the consultation, you could be wondering how the first full 45-50 minute session will go! Totally normal! Here are some things to expect when you go for your first online therapy session:

Setting up the Technology:

Before your first session, you will need to set up the technology for the video call. Your therapist will likely send you a link to the online platform they use, something like Zoom or Skype but in a form that protects your privacy. Make sure you have a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone.

It's a good idea to test the technology beforehand to make sure everything is working properly. If you're not familiar with the online platform, your therapist may be able to provide some guidance or a tutorial on how to use it.

Introductions and Informed Consent

At the beginning of the session, your therapist will likely introduce themselves and ask you to do the same. They may ask you some questions to get to know you better, such as why you decided to seek therapy and what you hope to get out of it.

It's important to be honest and open with your therapist from the beginning. Remember that they are there to help you, and they can only do that if they have a good understanding of your situation and needs. I usually also review the Informed Consent paperwork they signed to make sure we are all on the same page about the legal and ethical issues involved with therapy.

Discussing Your Concerns:

After the introductions, your therapist will likely ask you to talk about the concerns that brought you to therapy. They may ask you some questions to help clarify your thoughts and feelings.

It's important to remember that therapy is a safe space where you can talk about anything that's on your mind without fear of judgment. Your therapist is there to listen and support you, and they will work with you to develop a plan for moving forward.

Developing a Treatment Plan:

Towards the end of the session, your therapist will likely work with you to develop a treatment plan. This may involve setting goals, discussing strategies for coping with your concerns, and determining how often you will attend therapy sessions.

Remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and you and your therapist will work together to develop a plan that is tailored to your needs and goals. Some therapists, like myself, may do some of the treatment plan (such as setting goals), in the second session. This may depend on how long the “getting to know you” and answering questions about the process takes.

Follow-up sessions:

After your first session, you may feel a range of emotions. You may feel relieved to have finally talked about your concerns, or you may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of continuing therapy.

Remember that therapy is a process, and it's normal to feel a range of emotions as you work through your concerns. Your therapist will likely schedule follow-up sessions with you to check in on your progress and continue working towards your goals.

In conclusion, attending your first online therapy session can feel daunting, but it's important to remember that your therapist is there to support you. By setting up the technology, introducing yourselves, discussing your concerns, developing a treatment plan, and scheduling follow-up sessions, you can start your journey towards healing and growth. If you are still feeling anxious and/or lost about all of this, I would love to talk to you more to be of help!

If you would like to make an appointment or you have more questions about online therapy in Texas, call or message me at 956-307-6137 or email me at mpici@threeheartscounseling.com to set up a free 15-minute consultation. I am an online therapist in Texas! I would love to answer your questions about my work or help you find other online therapists in Texas.