How do you start therapy? What is it like?

Ever wondered how to start therapy? How does it work? What is it like behind the closed doors? What happens in the beginning? Every therapist is different in their personality, orientation and type of therapy, and style of conversation in therapy. To be brief, there are a few types or orientations to psychotherapy that include humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, behavioral, psychodynamic, and psychoanalytic. Some therapists focus on one type and others may integrate a few of these. Some therapists may ask more questions and others may allow space for clients to fill. Hilber Psychological Services therapists provide therapy mostly from a Cognitive-Behavioral therapy orientation or CBT. Since all personalities and office procedures are different, this will give you a good idea of what it's like to start your work together with us at Hilber Psychological Services.

Before the Appointment Before setting up an appointment at Hilber Psychological Services, there will be a short conversation via phone or email to verify important details. These details include whether there are custody issues and if both parents are supportive of treatment and your insurance carrier if you choose to use your insurance plan.

After you have discussed these details, an appointment is set up. If you consent to an email, you will receive a confirmation email with the office address, your appointment time, and the paperwork for you to fill out in the privacy of your own home. You may bring that paperwork with you to the first appointment.

First Appointment or "Intake" At the first session, there will be a brief review of the paperwork you signed. The rest of the session is then focused on getting to know you and your situation. This is the time to bring up your concerns and presenting issues you want help with, as well as any questions you may have for us. At the end of the first session you may make a follow up appointment if you felt like the appointment and therapist was a good fit with you.

Second Appointment For adults and teens, typically the second appointment is to get to know each other better, talk about any topics that you feel are important but haven't mentioned yet, and move forward to discuss the steps recommended and continue with your treatment.

For children, the second appointment is about meeting the child, getting to know each other, discussing emotions and "wild card" coping skills of deep breathing and muscle relaxation. Typically the last part of the session is saved for playing a game to build the relationship, reward the child for working so hard, and practice the skills they have just learned. Finally, during the last few minutes, the parent is brought into the room and given a brief overview of the topics discussed and skills introduced.

Now you are ready for the following appointments. These are more dependent on the situations and individuals, but you may find that you are comfortable in session.

For detailed questions, please contact us via Hilber Psychological Services or at drhilber@hilberpsychsandiego.com to set up an appointment. For more common questions about therapy, see FAQ at HPS.