What Happens in Your First Session or Initial Meeting with Your Therapist?

Have you ever wondered what happens the first time you meet a therapist? It's completely normal to feel a mix of emotions - from nervousness to relief - as you embark on this journey. One way to ease into the process is by understanding what to expect during your initial session.

Certain therapists adopt a structured method for assessments during the initial session, where they might request you to complete concise forms to evaluate your current mental and emotional state. Subsequently, they may inquire about these details to gain a deeper insight into your requirements. In contrast, some therapists take a more relational approach, creating a more casual atmosphere in the first session. They may have prepared questions to ask and will respond based on the information you provide about your circumstances.

It is important to note that specialised methods for dealing with trauma, like Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Rewind Therapy, may involve an assessment process that slightly differs from traditional talk therapies. The therapist will need certain information to feel confident that these methods are safe and will more than likely be effective for you to engage in.

Keep reading to find out what happens in your first session or initial meeting and the potential questions that may arise during this stage of gathering information and for top tips for how to get ready.

Some things your therapist might want to know:

• The reason you are seeking therapy

  
  

• Whether you have had therapy in the past and what your experience of therapy has been so far

• What kind of support you'd like from your therapist

• Information about your current support network, eg. family, friends and professionals

• Information about your current coping strategies

• What you'd like to achieve from accessing therapy

During your initial session, your therapist will more than likely discuss their theoretical and professional approach to therapy, as well as how they plan to work with you. They may also go over their contract, covering details such as session scheduling, fees, holidays, cancellation policy, and safeguarding measures.

Some things that you might want to know:

• Does the therapist have the relevant experience to support you?

• Does the therapist have any specialisms or specific skill sets and how do they apply this?

• Session availability - Where sessions will take place and how often

• How you will know if therapy is helping and what to do if it isn't

How to prepare:

• Spend some time considering what you'd like to ask your therapist - What would you like to know about therapy sessions? Write some notes down and bring them to your session as prompts.

• Be ready to start on time - Check your internet connection/phone signal prior to the session starting if you're meeting online or via phone. If you're meeting in person try to get there a few minutes early so that you don't feel rushed. Check directions, parking etc. before you leave.

• Comfort levels - Have some water, tissues and comfort items close by for the least amount of disruption during the session.

• Breathe - Your therapist is human, they have more than likely had therapy themselves before. They can understand and relate to being in your position.

• Be open and honest - Try to be as clear as you can, there is no need to hide information from your therapist. Your therapist is not judging you personally but they will need information so that they can safely assess whether they are the best fit to work with you.

Making a Decision

I use introductory calls as a way to understand more about potential clients needs and consider how I may be able to support them. Therapy is an extremely personal process and as such I urge potential clients not to rush their decision and to take some time to explore other therapists and weigh up their options before making a decision. Some therapists will offer free or concessionary rates for initial sessions as they are aware that if you are seeing multiple therapists for consultations costs can mount up.

You should never feel pressured to make a decision on the spot, and you should not feel pressured to go with the first therapist that you meet with.

If you decide that the therapist was not the right fit for you, you may wish to contact them and let them know. You do not have to feel bad about this, us therapists are aware of the process and will want to ensure that you have the support that feels right for you. If a therapist decides that you might not be the best fit to work together they will inform you of this. Although it can sometimes be difficult to hear when you have plucked up the courage to reach out, it's important to be aware that therapists are not obligated to work with you even if you would like them to. Therapists that have signed up to adhere to ethical frameworks have to follow guidelines which stipulate that they must work within their scope and abilities. This means that if they feel supporting you falls outside of their scope and ability or they don't have the space to accommodate you they are obliged to inform you of this. Some therapists will support you by referring you to another therapist that could offer the support you need or by sending you directories, links and information of where you could find the appropriate support.

Disclaimer: Information and opinions in this blog do not constitute as therapy or personalised professional advice. If you feel that you would like personalised support from a qualified Psychotherapist you are welcome to book a free introductory call with me or search for a therapist on online directories such as the Counselling Directory or Psychology Today .

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