I’ve been asked to talk about how to begin psychotherapy.

How to prepare for that first session.

So here are my seven tips to starting psychotherapy.

Well, first of all congratulations on wanting to start psychotherapy.

It’s a big step and yet many people never make it to talk with a therapist and so continue to live with what’s familiar however uncomfortable that might be.

It’s important to say that just as clients are individuals so are therapists and each will have their own way of starting therapy with you. I’m resisting the urge to give in to today’s selling culture by saying these are the

The 7 must haves or

The 7 steps or

The 7 rules

However, after 25 years of working as a psychotherapist here are my tips about how you can prepare for that first session.

You may have them in a different order or you may have others, but here’s a summary with some personal statements that may also be of help:

Want – I’m as clear as I can be.

Cost – I believe therapy is worth it.

Time – I’m willing to commit

Honesty – I’ll tell my truth

Safety – I’m going to be held through this process

Changes – I’m willing to behave/think in new and different ways

Resource – I’ll make the most of my time with the therapist

I wish you the best of health.

Martin Weaver

Written by Robert Burns in 1788 Auld Lang Syne has been used by many as a way to remind people to remember. It translates as: “old long since” and in English that means something like to “times gone by.”

At this time of year when the decorations, the cards and the tree get put away, I can now understand that the song is a means of connecting us with the positive and happy people and times in the past.

I wish you, your family and friends the best Happy New Year...

Martin Weaver