What You Can Expect During Your First Therapy Session with Me

Stepping into a therapist's office for the first time can feel intimidating. You may wonder what will happen during that initial meeting and how it might help you. Understanding the process can ease your worries. This post will clarify what you can expect during your first session with me, setting you up for a more comfortable and productive experience.

The Setting: Creating a Safe Space

Despite my office being virtual, you can expect a warm and welcoming environment. When you sign onto your session, you will notice a bookshelf full of my favorite books. You may see my degrees hanging on the wall. Most importantly, you will see me. a friendly face eager to welcome you and make you feel comfortable.

A cozy therapy room designed for comfort and safety

The Initial Consult: Understanding your needs

Our first meeting will be a 15-minute consultation. This step is vital as I collect important details about you and what brings you to therapy. I'll ask about your family background, any past experiences with therapy, and your current concerns. We will also discuss the nitty-gritty of therapy costs, paperwork, schedules, etc.

Our First Sessions: Building Rapport

I realize how challenging it can be to share personal matters, so I strive to create a friendly and approachable atmosphere. To help ease you in, I might ask about your day or your hobbies. Engaging in light conversation can help you feel more comfortable sharing deeper issues later on.

Setting Goals: What Do You Hope to Achieve?

Once we've covered your background, we'll engage in a conversation about your goals for therapy. What do you aim to achieve during our time together? Setting clear goals helps steer our sessions and provides a roadmap for our work. Much of my therapeutic approach is person-centered, so goal setting will be a collaborative process centered on you and your desired outcome for therapy.

Questions and Concerns: Open Dialogue

I encourage you to voice any questions or concerns during our session. Your input is valuable, as therapy is a team effort. If something feels unclear or if you want to address specific topics, bring them into the discussion.

The Journey Ahead: Building a Therapeutic Relationship

As we continue, we’ll focus on strengthening our therapeutic relationship. Trust, respect, and open communication are essential elements that will help us navigate your journey together. We will transition from goal setting and information gathering to working toward healing and growth.

The First Step: Ready to Begin

Therapy is a partnership, and I am here to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions or worries prior to your session, feel free to reach out. Taking that first step may feel daunting, but it's also a powerful and courageous action. I look forward to working together on your journey to healing and personal growth.