What to Expect in a First Therapy Session

First and foremost, if you’ve made the decision to start therapy, congratulations. Engaging in therapy is a powerful investment in yourself! 

Seeking to make changes in your life—even positive ones—takes courage. Deciding to seek help from a mental health professional is often one of the most challenging steps in your journey toward healing. Your courage in taking that first step is not only commendable but also something to be proud of!

Beginning Therapy

Getting started with a therapist can feel intimidating. It’s perfectly normal to feel that way when beginning something new, especially when it involves sharing your most private and personal thoughts and emotions.

It may be reassuring to know that licensed therapists are highly trained professionals skilled at putting people at ease and listening without judgment. Therapists understand that everyone has challenges in their lives - including therapists!

You should expect your therapist to be supportive, care about your needs, and make you feel safe.

Before your first session, you’ll generally be asked to complete paperwork, including consent forms, information about privacy and HIPAA, and questions about your background. This part of the process is designed to ensure your privacy, help your therapist understand your unique needs, and provide a comprehensive and effective therapy experience.

The First Therapy Session

When your therapist begins working with you, they will want to get to know you. They will ask lots of questions to better understand your background and the issues and symptoms you’re struggling with. In particular, your therapist will ask what brings you to therapy and what you hope to work on or achieve through treatment.

Your therapist may orient you to the type of therapy they practice, such as psychodynamic or cognitive behavioral therapy, and explain how they work with patients.

During the first few sessions, you’ll be asked to share your personal history, including your childhood experiences, significant life events, and relationships. This foundation will help them to understand your context and identify patterns.

The more open you can be with your therapist, the better and more quickly they will understand you. Discussing your feelings with someone you don’t know may feel scary at first, but it becomes easier with practice.

Many who come to therapy struggle with feelings of shame. Opening up about these feelings may be challenging. You may feel alone with your problems. 

The act of unburdening yourself in therapy can be very powerful. Therapy is one of the few places where you can talk freely about absolutely anything without being judged.

Your Relationship with Your Therapist

Be patient with yourself. Building trust with someone new takes time—all relationships require time and effort to develop. It may take a few sessions before you start feeling comfortable enough to share everything you’re feeling. Know that this is okay.

Your therapist should encourage you to ask questions. If anything isn’t working for you, please share that with them. A good therapist wants to know when something isn’t helpful.

Studies consistently show that the quality of the relationship with one’s therapist is inextricably linked to successful treatment outcomes. An article in Psychology Today notes that “this relationship, often called the therapeutic alliance, is a partnership between the therapist and client for the purpose of achieving the goals of treatment. It requires mutual trust and honest communication.” 

Therapy relationships are different than the other relationships in your life. Therapists maintain professional boundaries. They won’t share personal details or seek friendship. These boundaries ensure a safe, focused environment for your growth. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, and your therapist is bound by professional ethics and laws to keep your information private.

I hope this gives you an idea of what to expect at the beginning of therapy. Again, I congratulate you for deciding to invest in your well-being, and I wish you success in your therapy journey!

Chris Haley Therapy

If you live in New York State and are looking for a therapist, I invite you to contact me for a consultation. I strive to create a warm, safe, and supportive environment to discuss anything causing you distress. You can always bring your whole self to therapy with me.