What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Deciding to start therapy is a significant step. If you've never been to therapy before, it's completely normal to feel nervous or uncertain about what to expect. Let me walk you through what typically happens in a first session.

Before Your Session

Before we meet, you'll complete some intake paperwork. This helps me understand your background, what brings you to therapy, and any important information about your mental health history. Don't worry—there are no wrong answers.

The First Session

Your first session is primarily about getting to know each other and ensuring we're a good fit. Here's what typically happens:

We'll Talk About What Brings You Here

I'll ask about what's going on in your life right now and what you hope to get out of therapy. This doesn't have to be perfectly articulated—we'll figure it out together.

I'll Share How I Work

I'll explain my therapeutic approach and what working together might look like. This is also a great time for you to ask any questions about my style or methods.

We'll Discuss Practical Matters

We'll cover logistics like scheduling, payment, and confidentiality. Understanding these details helps create a sense of safety and clarity.

What I Won't Do

In our first session, I won't:

• Pressure you to share more than you're comfortable with
• Expect you to have all the answers
• Judge anything you share with me

It's Okay to Feel Nervous

Many people feel anxious before their first therapy session. That's completely normal. You might feel:

• Uncertain about what to say
• Worried about being judged
• Nervous about opening up to a stranger
• Hopeful but scared

All of these feelings are valid. Therapy is a process, and the first session is just the beginning.

Finding the Right Fit

Not every therapist is right for every person, and that's okay. The therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors in successful therapy. If after our first session you feel like we might not be the best fit, I'll be happy to help you find someone who might better meet your needs.

Ready to Begin?

If you're considering therapy and would like to schedule a consultation, I offer free 15-minute phone calls to see if we might be a good match. Taking this first step is an act of courage—I'm here when you're ready.