What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session: A Guide to Starting Your Journey
Are you someone looking to (or about to) enter therapy? What should you expect in your first therapy session? How and what should you prepare? These questions can feel daunting and may just be the thing that’s kept you from beginning therapy for some time. Entering therapy is a brave but sometimes uncomfortable step toward self-discovery and personal growth. If you're considering therapy but are unsure about what the first session entails, you're not alone. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what to expect during your initial therapy session, (a.k.a. the intake session).
1. Introduction and Welcome
When you arrive at your therapist's office or connect virtually, the intake usually begins with a warm welcome. Your therapist will introduce themselves, provide some information about their background and approach to therapy, and make sure you feel comfortable and at ease.
2. How to Prepare for Your First Therapy Session: Paperwork and Administrative Details
Expect some paperwork before or during your first session. This may include a consent form, a privacy policy, and other administrative details. Take your time to read through these documents and ask any questions you may have.
3. Confidentiality and Boundaries
Your therapist will discuss the importance of confidentiality and the limits to it. Understanding the boundaries of confidentiality is crucial for building trust in the therapeutic relationship. My spiel typically sounds something like, “You may be familiar with confidentiality and I’ll repeat it for you again. Our sessions are confidential which essentially means what we talk about is private…”. I’ll stop there to not bore you!
4. Your Story
A significant portion of the initial session is dedicated to you sharing your story. Don’t worry, about knowing exactly what to say or even where to start. Your therapist will ask questions to guide you and get you moving if you feel stuck. Think of the intake like a conversation that you’d typically have in the real world…just with a lot more questions. Your therapist may ask about your current concerns, your background, and what brings you to therapy. This is an opportunity for them to gather information and better understand your unique experiences. Don’t worry if there is a topic you’re not quite ready to divulge – you’re therapist is fully aware that they are still new to you and that you may need more sessions to feel comfortable.
5. Goals
Discuss your goals and what you hope to achieve through therapy. Whether you're seeking support for a specific issue or simply exploring personal growth, communicating your expectations helps tailor the therapeutic process to your needs.
6. Therapeutic Approach
Your therapist may explain their therapeutic approach and how they plan to work with you. This is a chance for you to understand their style and methods, ensuring that you feel comfortable and aligned with the therapeutic process. Feel free to ask questions throughout the session. A good therapist welcomes your curiosity and is happy to provide clarity on any aspect of the therapeutic process.
7. Setting Realistic Expectations, Feedback, and Collaboration
At the end of the session, your therapist may ask for feedback. This is also an opportunity for you to express any concerns or share your comfort level with the therapeutic process. Therapy is a collaborative effort, and your input is valued. It's essential to recognize that significant breakthroughs might not happen immediately. Therapy is a process, and building a trusting relationship takes time and is a therapist’s first priority – a person who feels safe with and trusts their therapist is also likely to reap the greatest benefits from it. Be patient with yourself and trust the journey.
8. Scheduling Future Sessions
If you feel comfortable and want to continue, you'll likely discuss scheduling for future sessions. This could include the frequency (e.g., weekly or twice weekly sessions) and duration of your appointments (e.g., 45-minute or 50-minute sessions).
Remember, the session is about building a foundation for the therapeutic journey. It's okay to have mixed emotions or uncertainties. Expect it. We are programmed to like consistency and predictability, even when it hurts, and therapy may feel like a world of uncertainty. Your therapist is there to support you, and as you progress, you'll likely find that therapy becomes a valuable space for self-reflection, growth, and healing.
If you have any questions or concerns before your first session, don't hesitate to reach out to your therapist. Taking this step is an investment in your well-being, and the therapeutic journey can be a transformative experience.
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About The Author:
Dr. Ruby Rhoden is a New York-based Licensed Psychologist who is dedicated to uplifting women through life changes and challenges, including reproduction. With a deep understanding of the complexities of burnout, Dr. Ruby provides a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and develop strategies to overcome exhaustion and regain their zest for life. She understands how unhelpful behavior patterns and mental health disorders uniquely impact women and uses evidence-based techniques to usher in sustainable change and relief. Dr. Ruby is dedicated to helping women develop healthier habits and relationships with themselves and their bodies so that they can connect to others and the world around them again. Dr. Ruby studied at Cornell University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for her Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees, respectively. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV, supporting small businesses, and writing blog posts to remind all women that they are not alone.
