What is done in a first appointment to a psychologist?

1st. appt.: Thorough evaluation & history-taking to come up with provisional diagnosis & recommend therapy.

We're All Different!: 1=clarify why person seeking my help + what s/he hopes 2 get from meeting. 2= learn as much re: person as can, making movie of her/his life in my head that traces her/his: a)life experiences; b)impt relationships ; c)obstacles faced & triumphs over them; d)personal strengths & challenges; e)ways of coping; f)stories of self; g) hopes/dreams; etc. 3=decide if we seem well-matched 4 working 2gether!

A therapist: Will ask you about your problems, get a history of what you are experiencing, family history, and assess what is wrong. See if they feel supportive. Then they will make recommendations for treatment options.

Talking : In an intake, the psychologist will gather basic information. In sessions after that, usually the patient describes the emotional issues that he or she is suffering to the psychotherapist. The psychotherapist will do much more listening than talking. Occasionally a psychotherapist will ask empathic and relevant questions about how the emotional issues came into being, andhow they impact your life.