How to prepare for my 1st psychologist appointment

[LJpd81]

I made the scary, daunting point of asking my doctor for a referral for a psychologist. Now I have one. I'm scared wondering what to expect of my first appointment and how to prepare?

I'm feeling so daunted and scared. Barely dealing. Thanks .

[Jazz and Blues]

Hi LJpd81,

Thanks for posting and well done in taking this important step toward improving your mental health.

There is no "right way" to prepare for an initial psychology appointment. Some people like to attend with a clear plan in mind. Others make notes to refer to. And others still attend "cold" with no preparation at all. What matters is what you feel suits you.

Psychologists are experienced with all of these approaches. You will find that the first 2-3 sessions will mostly be guided by the psychologist as they try to get to know you and understand what issues may be troubling you.

It can be very tempting to try to tell them everything in the first session! You've probably waited a long time for their support, so this is understandable. Try to relax into things first. Let the conversation flow naturally.

If it helps, you might consider making a list of three things you want to discuss and draw attention to these at the start of the session. Limiting it to three gives enough space for you and the psychologist to appropriately explore the topics without feeling rushed.

There is always the opportunity to come back to things in a later session!

Please let us know how your first session goes and well done taking this important step.

[Guest9337]

Hi again LJpd81!

I wrote a letter to my psychologist prior to seeing her. Saved it as a pdf and emailed it to the psych's practice, marking it confidential so the receptionist wouldn't read it. Only a few hundred words, but it helped me think/feel through some of what I need/want from the sessions.

I highly recommend you have a read of the Code of Ethics of the APA site, it will inform you about your future sessions with the psychologist, it'll also make very clear what ethics your psychologist has in their heart as a person - and what they're required to abide by being a member of the APA. It's free and only 32 pages.

good luck!

[LJpd81]

Thanks very much. Great replies and advice.

[LJpd81]

Sorry t9nsound silly, but what is the APA site please?

[Guest9337]

oops, got my acronyms wrong... APS.

Australian Psychological Society.

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much

[Alannah57]

This was back last year when I had months to prepare, for a psychiatry appointment. I suspected that I had bipolar so I downloaded the Bipolar UK mood chart and scale. Then I put aside five times a day when I would put in my mood in different colours, and wrote detailed notes in the boxes at the back.

You can find the chart on the Bipolar UK website, just by looking up “bipolar mood chart”. I think it would work for depression too, because b bipolar had both.

I also brought in diary entries and a timeline of episodes. In the end the psychiatrist just skimmed through it, and just asked me to explain why I was there.

So, I guess trying to iron out the truth of what you’re going through inside matters. All those diary entries and mood charts were really for myself in the end to get a clearer picture, because I didn’t get what was happening in my head.

Also, maybe a bring a relative or friend in - they can probably help describe what your moods have been like.

I truly hope that any sadness you feel goes away and you feel happy soon. Good luck 🙂

[LJpd81]

Thanks so much. Appreciate the reply. Hope you are doing ok now.