What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session.
Congratulations on taking the first steps towards healing! It is normal to experience a multitude of emotions prior to beginning therapy, including anxiety or nervousness. In order to help manage those feelings, here is a brief explanation of what to expect during your first session.
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Upon arrival to your first visit, you will be asked to complete paperwork, which will include a short intake form, statements on confidentiality, HIPPA compliance forms, and an agreement for therapy form. The therapist will review those forms during your first session and clarify any questions that you may have. The remainder of the session will be used to better understand why you are seeking therapy. Depending on the nature of your presenting concern, the therapist may ask questions related to your childhood, medical history, interpersonal relationships, significant symptoms, and past experiences in therapy. The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask the therapist questions about his or her theoretical orientation, credentials, and expertise. Typically by the end of the first or second session, you and your therapist will have collaboratively outlined goals for therapy and discussed a potential treatment plan.
A few other things you may want to know…
Your first session will typically last between 50 to 60 minutes
Be prepared to discuss what may be “wrong” and express your feelings about your problems. It may be helpful to prepare a list of your concerns and questions prior to your first session
Your therapist is here to help you, not judge you. You can be a “work-in-progress” and a “masterpiece” simultaneously. Perfection is not an expectation in therapy
Therapy is a team effort. You are the expert on your life and we value what you can bring to the therapeutic process
Therapy is not a quick fix, it is a process. It will take time and hopefully, you will find the time you invest in yourself well worth it