What To Expect in Your First Therapy Session
If you haven’t been in therapy before, it’s only natural to be curious about the process, especially what to expect in the first session. I encourage prospective clients to ask as many questions as needed to feel comfortable. I offer free consultation calls ahead of the first session to help address any questions including logistics like fees, cancellation policy, and cadence of therapy sessions. I find these calls help to ease some of the initial anxiety about speaking to a stranger about personal matters that often arises with a first session.
I’ll never forget what it felt like to be a first-time therapy client myself many years ago. I ended up seeing the therapist for years during a major life transition, and the work was impactful enough to change the trajectory of my life. Initially, I felt brushed off by her when I first called because she was on summer vacation and was scheduling a month out. Even though it wasn’t rational, I recall feeling dismissed; she didn’t understand how important my problems were! Of course, that couldn’t have been farther from the truth, but I understand from personal experience how vulnerable one might feel when initiating therapy.
Many of my clients considered therapy for a long time before making the initial call. It’s hard to start something new, especially when it’s unfamiliar. I keep my personal experience in mind whenever a prospective client calls, and typically respond to inquiries within twenty-four hours. If you’ve had mixed feelings about therapy and finally made the call, the hardest part is behind you.
What your therapist will ask
The first session is spent learning about your background history. Although mental health issues are universal, no two people experience life the same way. It’s essential for therapists to gather your history in order to better understand what has brought you to therapy. Your therapist will ask questions about: your childhood, family members, friendships/social networks, health, educational background, work history, and any previous mental health treatment. All of this helps your therapist get to know you and begin to understand the context of your mental health needs.
The other part of the session is about why you are seeking therapy now, and any recent life stressors. Your therapist will want to know what you hope to gain through therapy. A therapeutic relationship is a partnership, in that the client provides the agenda and goals, with the therapist as a neutral sounding board, guide, and resource.
What comes next
My hope is that a new client will walk away from the first session feeling heard, validated, and hopeful about the process. It’s a therapist’s job to provide a safe, judgment-free space to talk about anything. The topics discussed in therapy are sensitive by nature, thus some anxiety about the process is natural. On the other hand, if you feel unsupported or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and continue your search for the right therapist. After all, one of the primary goals of therapy is to become empowered, which extends to your selection of a therapist. Your mental health is important and who you work with matters, so I encourage you to be discerning as you choose a therapist. Even if you’ve already had a few sessions, it’s ok to stop if something feels off. Just don’t give up the search.
Therapy is an investment in yourself. That first call I made years ago changed my life. Yours might too.
