5 Things to Do Before You Start Therapy or Counseling

In this video, we explore the things you should do before starting therapy or counseling. Let's get into therapy 101 and the things you need to do or things you should know before starting with therapy. If you're asking yourself: how do I find a counselor or therapist? Or what to do before starting therapy? Or starting therapy for the first time? This video may answer many of the questions you have around how to start counseling or therapy, how to find a counselor or therapist, what to do before beginning counseling or therapy.

More videos you may find helpful:

Firstly, keep track of your symptoms and describe them to your therapist or counselor. You don't need to know the right terminology; just tell them how it feels, what you think, and what's bothering you.

Secondly, set goals for yourself and your time in counseling or therapy. Consider what you hope to get out of it and see if you can come up with a way to communicate that when you make your first appointment.

Thirdly, consider your budget. Run your numbers and see what works for you. Remember there are lower cost options like Betterhelp, Talkspace, and online groups.

Fourthly, write down some things you would like to see in your therapist. What traits do those you love and trust most have? Are there certain things people do that make you more or less comfortable? Considering what we want to see in a therapist is incredibly helpful.

Finally, prepare to be vulnerable. Therapy can be tough, and it can bring up a lot of emotions. But remember, the therapeutic relationship is the number one indicator of success in therapy, so it's important to be open and honest with your therapist.

By following these 5 steps, you can ensure that you get the right help and get the most out of therapy. Remember, therapy is an investment in yourself, and it's worth it.

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[BCSchmerker]

+Katimorton *Thanks for the list of pointers, whereto I shall add timestamps:*

0:31 *5. Keep track of your symptoms*
1:32 *4. Set goals for yourself and time in therapy*
2:52 *3. Consider your budget*
5:01 *2. List things that ye want in your therapist*
6:21 *1. Ask for a telephone consultation*

[stoffls]

Helpful tips, and in my experience sympathy is important to feel secure in therapy. It is ok, not to be able to address everything right away, but feeling comfortable with your therapist really helps a lot.

[toothpastehombre]

My current insurance requirements are as follows: make an appointment with PCP for referral. Wait for behavioral health to contact you to "assist" you with appointment availability with counselor, therapist or psychiatrist as needed. Then call the needed office to book the appointment... All of these calls and appointments need to happen during normal working hours. I work a demanding job with little to no phone service in the building I work at. This means I have to take time off work, 2 or 3 different times, just to book an appointment. Every one of these calls/appointments I have to revisit my mental health history and struggles. The amount of mental health questionarries I've done throughout my life is soul crushing.

It may not seem like much, but it is just enough extra stress and hurdles to cross over, I lose resolve on actually pursuing the care I need...

And I haven't even discussed deductibles and advanced scheduling limitations

[MabelRD]

I love how you always include yourself and openly say you're also in therapy; it makes your videos a lot more heartfelt and comforting. Thanks for all your hard work all these years; it certainly doesn't go unnoticed.
Te quiero mucho mamá Kinnion❤️💐😘🤗🇩🇴

[kellylarsen]

I totally understand the "not the time to be PC" - however, I also want to say that it can be hard to be that choosy these days with not enough therapists out there. I started a bit over a year ago- I would have probably have chosen a woman older than me. I ended up with a young man. Turns out I really like him and I would have missed out if I'd have gone with what I thought I needed. So I guess I'm saying you never know!

[whereisyourhumanity]

ABSOLUTELY. I like to challenge my therapist a bit at first. "how do I know when I'm done? How many sessions do you think it will take me? What are the markers or indicators that we look for, how do we measure these accomplishments?
Do you give a discount after several sessions, or a cash discount?

Sometimes Narcs choose to become therapists.
It's best to knock a few scales off of them,
then toss them out of the ring RIGHT AWAY.

[brittanywilcox]

Great video Kati! I learned during the pandemic that doing virtual sessions or phone sessions is a must for me

[michelleheegaard]

Thank you for sharing that you prefer a female therapist... I always felt kind of bad only seeking out female therapists, but it's true. I simply feel more comfortable with a woman even though a male therapist might be very or even more competent.

[fn-bb]

Oh. My. Gosh. Thank you. Needed this. My new therapist, who I'd been on a waitlist for 2 months, just no-showed our intake and has ghosted. 😢 I'm wrecked and demoralized. So now I'm starting from scratch, and this time I'm determined to be careful and choose wisely.

[Lillith]

I didn't know you could get a therapy consultation. No one has ever mentioned it to me. Appreciate this video, thank you Kati ❤

[newtuberfreedom]

This info is great for both newbies and folks possibly not satisfied or looking to get back into a therapy, people who have moved may find this helpful too!! ☮️💟☮️💟☮️💟

[sarakjeldsen]

These tips are gold! Thank you, Kati. ❤

[TidewaterC]

I miss my therapist that I had for years until recently. She moved on to a different career path and I feel like I have lost a good friend. The idea of going to see a new therapist and build a trust with them is daunting for me because of my social anxiety. In some way I feel like I allowed myself to become a bit too attached. New rule for next time is to be more emotionally prepared for the possibility of change.

[finleyandfriends]

I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder but I just learned this past year what bpd is and I show many signs. Today I used my journal ❤ to stay on track and share what I wanted and learned about myself my psychiatrist said she’s proud bc I’m more vocal about myself. I feel gd about it ❤

[bdmenne]

Wow perfect timing! Metaphysically speaking had a dream thismorning

[PeteysPonderings]

Thanks for the info katie.
Being relatively poor, low mobility and limited travel ability is a tough mix to find assistance.
I also feel like I would scare many therapists off when I do tell them what's going on.
These factors combine to create a difficult path
Appreciate your effort

[poohbear]

I wish I had seen a video like this before I started therapy.

[ILoveFountainPensCdn]

Your videos are always so helpful. Thank you!

[trinaq]

Thanks for the advice, Kati, it's very helpful, and I'll definitely use it when researching therapists.

[debbierya]

Hi from Perth Western Australia, I really appreciate your videos thanks 🙂