From the author: Recently I heard once again: “I want to go to a psychologist, I’ve even already made an appointment, but I’m worried about how to prepare for a meeting with a psychologist and what to say.” This gave me the idea to write a small guide for those who have decided and have doubts about their first meeting with a psychologist. What to do before your first meeting with a psychologist. 1. Clarification of information. When making an appointment with a psychologist, it is important to ask the specialist about your first meeting. Where will it take place and under what conditions? How long will it last? And also, is there access control there and do you need replacement shoes? You can ask other questions that come to your mind. The main thing is not to be afraid to ask questions that concern you. This will help you feel comfortable and secure at your first meeting.2. Time allocation. When making an appointment with a psychologist, it is important to choose a time for the meeting when you are most free. And try not to plan particularly important things, like before and after the meeting. Because you will add an extra stress factor to your meeting. Thoughts about business can give you anxiety, both before and during your meeting with a psychologist. And also when assigning important things after the meeting, remember that it is not yet known how this meeting will go for you. You can immerse yourself in deep experiences and thoughts, where you want to be with yourself, and not solve important matters and issues.3. And this is also important. When going to your first meeting with a psychologist, satisfy your physiological needs for food and toilet. Agree on an empty stomach, it’s difficult to get yourself into a working mood.4. Talk as much as you want. It is important to remember your right to talk only about what you want. Open up to the extent that you are ready and do not resort to violence on yourself; you should not bring up any deep topics and tell intimate moments of your life if this is still difficult for you and you are not ready to share it.5. Accept or not accept. Remember that you know your life and yourself better. The specialist sees you for the first time, but you have been living your life for many years and somehow coping. And even the fact that you came to a specialist only means that you are faced with problems and difficulties, which only you can decide what help to accept, what recommendations to follow and what conclusions about your problem are suitable for you or not. Remember this. This is important.6. It's up to you to decide. When meeting people halfway, you can think about the following points for yourself. What is your problem? How does it manifest itself? What or who is it connected with? If you answer these questions for yourself, then your first meeting with a psychologist will be most useful for you.7. Why do you need this? And lastly... Try to understand what you expect from this meeting, what will be a positive result for you. Maybe you want to get recommendations from a specialist or it’s important for you to simply be listened to. Or you want to be supported, or maybe it’s important for you to see the reaction of some feelings. Or all of this together. If you listen to yourself and understand your expectations from the meeting, you will get a good result after your first meeting with a psychologist. You and your life are unique and valuable. Take care of yourself !!!