Whether this is your first time in online therapy in Michigan or you have been to therapy before, you may be wondering, “how should I prepare for my first therapy session?” Although each therapist is different, there are some standards that can be helpful to know before your first online therapy session to help ease any worries or anxieties you may have!
What happens in online therapy in Michigan?
We can tell you what exactly will happen in your therapy session because therapy is personalized to each individual. There are a few standards of therapy that are similar across all types of therapy. The first is rapport building. Evidence shows that the rapport between a therapist and a client is one of the most important factors in the success of treatment. The second is setting goals for treatment, which involves the reason you decided to reach out for support in the first place! The third is developing a treatment plan to determine the steps you and your therapist will take to reach your desired goals and outcomes. The best part about online therapy is you can do it from the comfort of your own home with your furry friends. Research shows that online therapy is equally as effective an in person therapy!
How to Prepare for Your First Therapy Session
There are very few things you need to do before your first therapy session! Most therapists will ask that you complete paperwork including a HIPAA form, informed consent, and a health history form. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and is a federal law that requires the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed. The informed consent is a written agreement between you and your therapist that verifies your permission to begin treatment. A health history form is a document therapists will ask you to fill out with information such as why you are coming to therapy, what your goals for therapy are, what your treatment history is, and what symptoms you are experiencing.
Types of online therapy in Michigan.
There are many different types of therapy and it can feel overwhelming to know which type of therapy is right for you. The good news is there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. If one approach does not fit your needs, you can try a different approach or a different therapist within that same modality! PsychologyToday.com has a great list of types of therapy with explanations you can review to determine which therapy seems like the right fit!
Therapist vs. Psychologist? Therapist vs. Counselor? Therapist vs. Social Worker? Therapist vs. Psychiatrist? What do all these mean?
There are many different types of therapists to chose from including social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, psychiatrists, etc. The word therapist is a job description, while social worker, psychologist, counselor and psychiatrist are educational degrees. All of these educational degrees can be therapists! The biggest difference between a social worker, psychologist, counselor, and psychiatrist is that a psychiatrist is the only type of therapist who can prescribe medication because they go to medical school. If you have more questions about someone’s qualifications or degree, it is okay to ask them! It’s important to make sure they are licensed in that state you live in.
Seeing a therapist is an act of bravery, courage, and strength. It can feel scary, anxiety-producing, and nerve-racking to not know exactly what to expect from therapy. We hope this article was helpful in reducing some of the unknowns. Another helpful tip before a therapy session is to ask the therapist for a free consultation and ask them, “what should I expect from therapy?” and you can hear the therapist’s answer in their own words!
Today is the Day to Start Online in Michigan
To hear more about the therapy process and what to expect from your first online therapy session in Michigan, call us today! We know how hard it is to reach out, so we always respond within one business day and are here to answer all of your questions without judgement or criticism. Follow these steps to start therapy today!
Start meeting with an online therapist
Begin experiencing the benefits of counseling today!
Additional Online Therapy Services We Offer Throughout Detroit & Michigan
At Embodied Wellness, PLLC, our therapists specialize in therapy for anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma, and PTSD for teens and adults. We utilize evidence based approaches such as EMDR, DBT, IFS, and CBT.
