What To Expect For Your First Session
Never been to therapy before? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Here are just a few things to expect at the beginning of your first therapy session of this journey.
But first off, your courage is greatly appreciated! Taking this step is not always the easiest, so I make sure to welcome you, a new client, with warmth and comfort.
Now, what to expect from first therapy session:
- PAPERWORK: Not always the most fun part, but it’s important, required, and luckily only has to be done once. It’ll have lots of minor questions (address, date of birth, etc) and some heavier ones (symptoms of depression or anxiety, past trauma, etc). It’s always best to complete the paperwork before your first therapy session, but the amount of detail you put is up to you! Further information is gathered when I actually sit down with you and even then you have the right to only discuss what you’re comfortable with.Whether you have first session of your therapy of depression or self worth etc.It is always necessary to have a proper work.
- CONFIDENTIALLY: Even though there is a form you sign indicating your awareness of this in therapy, I go over it a little more in person mainly because I want to be transparent with all of my clients. I also want to give you the opportunity to ask any clarifying questions you may have.
- PROCESS OF THERAPY: This is the part that is different for everyone. How the therapy unfolds depends on the issue at hand. However, no matter the issue, I always focus on building rapport with all of my clients. Having that rapport and ultimately trust is what will enable you to get what you need out of therapy. The reason for that is it will provide healthy communication and clarity in my understanding of what you need. So, definitely expect me to take on more of a human role in the first therapy session. Yes, I’ll be asking clinical questions, but I’ll also be asking what you like to do in your free time, what your dog’s name is, and if you’re a Colorado native.
- It Won’t Be Fixed In One Session: I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but I am always honest with my clients. This will take time. However, I always give myself a goal to give every new client something to walk away with. It could either be a book suggestion, an idea of the steps we will take in therapy, or simply the feeling of being heard and a newfound hope. At the end of this first therapy session, I just want to make sure you don’t feel alone in whatever you’re struggling with. We will get through this!
If you’re reading this because you’re ready to take this step or you’re still gathering information on first therapy session, I commend you! And I’m excited for all the growth you will experience one day. One piece of guidance is don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you ask a friend who is in therapy or you email a therapist directly, gather as much information needed to feel comfortable taking the first step: calling and making an appointment.
