Starting Therapy

Most people have apprehensions about "seeing a therapist." At Fayetteville Psychotherapy Associates, we recognize these apprehensions and do everything possible to make your therapy experience a positive one.

Here are some of the things you can expect when you see one of our psychologists for the first time:

Before your first session: What can you do before your first visit?

At your first session:
When you arrive at our office you will be greeted by our office staff who will help you complete your initial paperwork and get you settled in our waiting room. If you are filing insurance for your visits, you will be asked to present your insurance ID card so that our staff can verify your benefits. You will be provided with a copy of your initial paperwork for your records.

If you'd like to fill out your paperwork prior to your appointment, you may download the forms here (you will still need to arrive at least 15 minutes early to your first appointment). There may be a few extra forms not available online for you to complete when you arrive, so be sure to allow extra time.

Once your therapist has reviewed your paperwork, he or she will greet you and take you to his or her private office to begin your first session.

Your first meeting with your therapist:
During your first appointment, your therapist will gather information about you, your history, the issues that have brought you to therapy, and what your goals are for therapy. He or she will make an initial assessment of your situation and will provide you with a recommendation as to how often subsequent therapy sessions should occur, and togehter, you will begin formulating a plan for meeting your therapy goals.

During this session, you will also be getting to know your therapist and learning what the experience of therapy is about. It's important that you feel free to ask questions and express yourself during this and all of your appointments. Communicating openly and honestly with your therapist, even if it is to raise something that makes you feel uncomfortable, is one of the most important things you can do to make your therapy successful.

Your first appointment will last approximately 80 minutes. When the session is over, your therapist will show you around the office, explain how to book your next session with our staff, and give you any other additional information you might need before your next appointment.

As therapy proceeds:
Most people find that they are at least a little nervous during their first few sessions. This is very normal, and most individuals find that as they get to know how the therapy process works and begin to become more familiar with the therapist, these early "jitters" will begin to fade away.

Many people tell us that after awhile, they actually begin to look forward to meeting with their therapist.

Subsequent Sessions:
When you arrive for subsequent sessions, you will be greeted by our office staff who will check you in, accept any applicable payments, and arrange your next appointment for you. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask our office staff for assistance.

Please feel free to use the restroom and help yourself to a bottled water while you wait for your therapist to take you back for your appointment.