Feeling anxious before your first therapy session is a normal and common part of the process. It is understandable that you may feel this way. You are meeting your therapist for the first time and you may wonder what your experience will be like. You may wonder if they will be warm and friendly, what type of questions they will ask you, how you may feel about the questions and anything else that comes up, and whether they will really understand you and what you are going through.
A good therapist knows that this is a likely occurrence and they often prepare in advance to help you feel comfortable and regulated during your session. You can always let them know how you feel throughout your session so they can help you regulate yourself. Before your session, you can take a series of deep breaths prior to leaving your house or before getting into the therapy office if your anxiety intensifies. Engaging your senses through things like sipping some water or smelling a nice scent can also help you remain grounded during your session.
You should not feel judged or unsupported by a therapist at any point of your therapy journey. Anxiety is a normal emotion and everybody has experienced it at some point in their lives. It is not something to be ashamed or guilty of. It is simply an emotion that can be managed using various techniques that activate your parasympathetic nervous system to facilitate relaxation and calmness. Try to refrain from fighting your anxiety in the present moment as that often intensifies it and elicits greater emotional and physical distress.
If you are someone who struggles with anxiety, therapy can help you address underlying causes and equip you with customized tools to manage your anxiety.
