What is a Psychologist Session Really Like?

When first thinking about starting to attend therapy sessions, many people wonder, "What is a Psychologist and what it is like to have a session with them?" In today's blog article, we at KMA Therapy Toronto will help to shed some light on what to expect in your first session with our psychologists.

So, let's back up a bit. What is a Psychologist?

A Psychologist is a professional who helps manage the mental component of your life. Psychologists are there to listen to you in addition to giving professional feedback based on your emotions, motivation, thoughts and behaviour. A Psychologist may also administer psychological tests in order to assess any potential symptoms you have, and is also able to provide and communicate a professional diagnosis.

Psychologists in Ontario are required to have a minimum of a doctoral degree in Psychology, while Psychological Associates have a Master's Degree.

The governing body for Psychologists in Ontario is CPO, the College of Psychologists of Ontario. You can always check their website if you have questions about the credentials of a professional or have any questions whatsoever about the field of Psychology.

Before having a session with your Psychologist, many professionals prefer if you have an initial intake session. This session is when the professional decides which psychologist will suit you the best.

This happens through filling out the following, ask yourself:

1. Why you are seeking therapy: What are the reasons to why you want to take therapy?
2. If you had seen another therapist before: Where, when and why you are still looking for a different experience?
3. What you would like to achieve through therapy: What would you like to gain through therapy?
4. Your Relevant Goals for Therapy: What are your short term or long term goals that you would like to obtain through therapy?
5. Your recommendation for the specific therapy that you think would best fit your needs: Which psychologist or therapist do you think will suit your needs the best?

During your intake session, the intake counsellor at KMA will always review the "Informed Consent" form with you. If you understand and agree to the treatment conditions, you will sign the form, and the psychologist who will be treating you will also give their consent to treating you by signing too. The psychologist will ask you if you, as the client, have any questions about the treatment and will do their best to answering them.

You will be provided with a introductory package, information about treatment, a sheet with the name of your psychologist, your goals, treatment plan, and your next appointment time.

Although it is recommended to have an intake session, if you prefer to not have the consultation you do not have to. If you decide to not have the initial intake session, you may choose the counsellor or psychologist that you expect will be the best for fulfilling your needs.

Besides the more technical aspects, you might be wondering what can you expect from your visit to your psychologist session.

When you first come into the office for your first official appointment with your psychologist, the atmosphere around you will probably be calm and relaxing.

If you do not already know, a session with our psychologist and counsellors are always private and confidential. The treatment centre will never release information about you to a third party without your written consent.

A psychologist is there to help you at achieving a stable, emotional and psychological well-being. They are there to help you be, become or establish at being healthy, happy and content with yourself and your lifestyle.

While you have sessions with your psychologist you will:

1. Gain what you were seeking when you first started therapy
2. Accomplish what you wanted to achieve through therapy
3. Meet your relevant goals for therapy
4. Make realistic and appropriate goals for the future
5. Become healthier, happier, and more content