What happens in the first session
Your first session isn't therapy yet. It's a conversation. Here's what to expect.
What happens in the first session
Your first session isn't therapy yet. It's a conversation.
Your therapist will want to understand what's going on for you — in their own words, not just the questionnaire. They'll ask questions. They'll listen. They might share a little about how they work.
By the end, you should have a clearer sense of what the work might look like and whether this person feels right for you.
What to expect
It's okay if you don't know where to start. Your therapist will help. You don't need a prepared speech.
You're not obligated to share everything immediately. You're allowed to go at your own pace. A good therapist won't push.
You might feel a bit drained afterward. That's normal. Even a conversation about difficult things takes something out of you. That doesn't mean it went badly.
It might feel a little awkward. That's also normal. You're talking to someone new about things you might not talk about with anyone. Give it a couple of sessions before drawing conclusions about fit.
What your therapist is doing
In the first session, your therapist is getting to understand you. They're not diagnosing you. They're not forming fixed opinions. They're building a picture so they know how to help.
They'll also be thinking about what kind of work might be useful — whether that's a more structured approach like CBT, or something more exploratory, or something else entirely.
After the session
Most therapists will briefly discuss what the next steps look like — how often to meet, what the focus might be, anything to keep in mind between sessions.
If you have questions, ask them. That's what the session is for.
Still have a question?
You can also start with a free 15-minute call with a potential therapist. No commitment, no invoice.