What To Expect In Your First Therapy Session With Regain?
Key takeaways
- When preparing for your first therapy session on Regain, it could be helpful to reflect on your goals for therapy.
- Your initial session may involve getting to know your therapist, identifying therapy goals, and discussing possible therapeutic approaches.
- Therapy sessions on Regain may last from 30 to 45 minutes and occur via live chat, video, or phone.
In your first therapy session with a therapist on Regain, you can expect to learn a little about your therapist and their approach, discuss what brought you to therapy and what you hope to accomplish in sessions, and gain an overview of the therapy process. With Regain, your live sessions can take place by phone or video, depending on your preference.
The exact dynamics of the first session can depend on your particular therapist and their approach to the therapeutic process. Having a general understanding of some common components of the initial therapy session may help you feel more at ease before starting therapy. To make the most of your first session, thinking about your goals for therapy and trying to be as open and honest as possible can all be beneficial.
What happens before the first session?
After you have signed up for online relationship therapy through Regain, a few things may happen before your first session:
- You will be matched with a therapist who aligns with your needs and preferences.
- After being matched, you (or you and your partner) can select a timeslot and schedule a live session with your therapist.
- At your scheduled appointment time, you can log in and your therapist can prompt you to join the session.
Live sessions typically range from 30 to 45 minutes and can happen over phone or video.
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What happens in the first session? What to expect in your first therapy session with Regain
From the therapist’s perspective, the initial therapy session is often about learning more about the client’s background and what brought them to therapy. It’s also the beginning of cultivating a strong therapeutic alliance by creating a safe and supportive environment where each person feels comfortable opening up.
Understanding common components of the initial session
Your therapist explains their background and approach (e.g., Gottman Method, emotionally-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy).
You describe the current state of your relationship and your goals for therapy.
Your therapist explains more about the process.
You and your partner have a chance to express any concerns or questions.
What to expect in your first therapy session with Regain as an individual vs. as a couple
Some of the dynamics of your first session may also depend on whether you are using Regain as an individual or as a couple. If you’re attending individual therapy sessions, your initial appointment may focus on your perspective and concerns. If you are there as a couple, you can each voice your perspective, concerns, and goals.
How can you make the most of your first session?
To make the most of your first session, it may help to think about your goals for therapy and try to be as open and honest as possible. In doing so, you can help ensure that your therapy sessions are focused on your most pressing needs.
Thinking about your goals for therapy
A powerful way to prepare for your first session is to reflect on what you hope to accomplish in therapy. Some examples of goals for relationship therapy include:
- Learn more effective communication strategies
- Learn healthier ways to resolve conflicts
- Develop coping strategies for navigating stressful events as a couple
- Learn better ways to support each other and navigate the effects of mental health challenges on the relationship
With effort and commitment, online relationship therapy can create real improvements. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online couples therapy for improving relationship satisfaction. Different people may have different preferences regarding the therapy setting. Online relationship therapy can be a helpful option for those who may not feel comfortable discussing vulnerable topics in an in-person setting.
What happens after the first session?
After the first session, your therapist may assign you “homework” to complete before the next session. This might take the form of a brief worksheet, a journaling exercise, or a task to carry out. Beyond that, the contents of your future sessions can depend on your unique needs and your therapist’s approach.
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Takeaway
Below are some common questions relating to Regain and the first therapy session.
What usually happens in your first therapy session?
During your first session with a Regain therapist, you typically have the opportunity to get to know your therapist. You can ask about their training, experience, and approaches to therapy. Your therapist will likely ask about your reason for seeking therapy, but you can open up at your own pace, with no pressure to discuss anything you don’t want to discuss at first. However, therapists are typically used to addressing all kinds of relationship matters in a safe space free from judgment.
How long does it take to match with a therapist on Regain?
Most people (90%) are matched with a therapist in as little as 48 hours of beginning the sign-up process. In some cases, it may take a few days, depending on therapist availability.
Is Regain therapy legit?
Research shows that online relationship therapy is effective. One study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that online couples therapy was as effective as in-person therapy, with couples reporting increases in both mental health and relationship satisfaction.
What questions should a therapist ask in the first session?
A therapist may ask a variety of questions to get to know the individual or couple presenting concerns about their relationship. Individuals and couples don’t have to feel pressure to get into a deep discussion about their relationship distress during the early stages of therapy. They can feel free to open up at a pace that feels comfortable for them.
Is the first therapy session awkward?
The first relationship counseling session doesn’t have to be awkward. Both you and your partner have the opportunity to get to know your therapist. You can ask questions about your therapist’s bio, training, experience, and philosophy about therapy. If you don’t feel that the therapist is a good fit, switching therapists is always an option for no additional cost.
What kind of therapists work with Regain?
Regain has a large network of therapists with different titles and clinical experience areas. Many may hold the title of marriage and family therapist (MFT), which usually means they provide not only marriage therapy but also couples counseling in general, regardless of whether a couple is married. While one therapist’s qualifications may differ somewhat from another’s, all therapists on the Regain website are fully licensed and have at least three years of experience.
How does Regain therapy work?
Regain therapy offers therapy that is completely online. Users can communicate with their therapist in the following ways:
- Audio
- Video
- Live chat
- In-app messaging
These options allow partners to participate in therapy from separate locations, which may be helpful for those who aren’t living together and those who travel often for work. Also, the in-app messaging option allows couples to contact their therapist at any time, and their therapist will respond as soon as they can. This means that individuals and couples can reach out with questions or relationship concerns between therapy sessions.
How many sessions per month on Regain do people have?
Most people have one session per week, or four to five sessions per month. Couples in need of more frequent sessions can speak with a therapist about options to schedule additional sessions.
What conditions can Regain therapy treat?
The therapists who work with Regain can treat a diverse array of relationship challenges, including lack of trust, communication challenges, and difficulty with life transitions. Therapists may use a wide variety of therapeutic methods, including the Gottman Method, discernment counseling, and narrative therapy.
What are the alternatives to Regain therapy?
Some people may choose to attend in-person sessions as a couple if they feel they need to be in the same room as a therapist. Others might opt for individual therapy sessions if they are experiencing challenges that are more related to person mental health than to their relationship. Individual therapy is available online at BetterHelp.
Does Regain take insurance?
Some people wonder, “Does Regain accept insurance?” Regain and other online therapy companies typically don’t work with insurance providers, as insurers often don’t cover couples therapy. However, the Regain cost can be more affordable than the cost of in-person therapy, depending on location. Also, with Regain, couples don’t have to spend on transportation to commute to a therapist’s office.
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