What Actually Happens in Your First Therapy Session.
Maybe you've had the booking page open for days. Maybe you've started the form and closed it. Twice.
If that's you, you're not alone. Starting therapy can feel like a lot. For many people, the hardest part isn't the session itself. It's the waiting, and the wondering what it will be like.
What if I cry? What if I don't know what to say? What if I say the wrong thing?
So let me walk you through what a first session with me actually looks like... so there are a few less unknowns.
There's no right or wrong thing to say
I understand how nerve-wracking this can feel. So let me start here... you don't have to worry about saying the right thing or the wrong thing.
Our first session is simply about getting to know one another. It's a chance for you to see whether I'm a good fit to walk alongside you. There is no pressure to share everything that's been on your mind, or everything you've been carrying for as long as you have.
How we begin
I usually start with something simple. "Hi, it's so great to meet you. How are you doing? How was your day?"
Before we go any further, I'll walk you through confidentiality. Everything you share in our sessions stays between us. The exception is if I have reason to believe you, or someone else, may be at risk of harm. I'll explain this clearly, and you're always welcome to ask questions about it.
From there, we'll talk about what's bringing you in, what you're hoping might feel different, and what you'd like from our work together.
You get to set the pace
This space is for you. That means you can come however you need to show up... tired, unsure, teary, guarded, or somewhere in between.
You don't have to tell your whole story on day one. In trauma work especially, we move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There's no rush. There's no judgement. Just whatever you are needing.
My role is to support you along your journey in the best way I can.
Making your space feel safe
My sessions are virtual, so you'll join from wherever you are. That can actually be a gift... you get to create your own comfort.
Before we start, you might want to:
Grab headphones, especially if others are home
Find a quiet room, or even sit in your parked car
Bring a blanket or an item that feels emotionally supportive
Make your favourite hot drink... it's that time of year
Little things like this can help your body feel a bit more settled. And when your body feels settled, it's easier to open up.
How I hope you feel when you log off
My hope is that you leave our first session with a sense of hope. Hope that you don't have to stay stuck in the pattern, cycle, or life transition you're in right now.
Healing is collaborative. As we work together, and as you put in the work, my hope is that you begin to feel empowered again... and start to see yourself meeting the goals you came in with.
When you're ready
You can come exactly as you are. When you're ready, you can book your first session through the link below. And if you have questions first, I'm always happy to answer them.
Keep reading: How to Find the Right Therapist for You · Is Virtual Therapy Right for Me?
This post is for general education and isn't a substitute for therapy. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 any time.
