Starting Therapy: A Guide to Your First Session and What to Expect
By Danielle Samama, Purple Rain Psychology
Making the decision to start therapy can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or seeking personal growth, understanding what to expect from your first therapy session can ease some of your worries.
Your first therapy session is typically an intake session, where you can expect to answer questions, or complete questionnaires about your current functioning and background. These may include your current concerns, mental health history, medical history, family background, and other relevant areas. While it might feel overwhelming, this information is crucial for your therapist to have a good understanding of your situation and tailor the therapy to your needs. This type of questioning is primarily for the first session; subsequent sessions will focus more on therapy, skill building and problem-solving.
Confidentiality will be discussed as it is a fundamental principle for ethical therapy. Everything you share with your therapist is kept private, fostering a safe environment where you can express your thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment or disclosure. However, there are some limitations. Therapists are legally required as mandated reporters, to report any concerns including, if there is a danger to yourself or to others, or if there is suspected abuse of a minor, elderly, or vulnerable person. Your therapist will explain these limits during your first session to ensure you understand.
Sometimes, you may be asked to complete questionnaires. These tools help gather additional information and can be useful in tracking your progress over time. Initially, therapy sessions are often scheduled once a week. This frequency helps build momentum and allows for more consistent support. As you progress and begin to achieve your goals, the frequency of sessions may reduce to fortnightly or monthly, focusing on maintenance and long-term well-being.
Determining the correct therapy modality will also be discussed as to what approach is best suited for your needs. Your therapist will determine which modality might be the best fit for your specific needs and goals based on the literature. Equally important is assessing whether the therapist is the right fit for you. A good therapeutic relationship is built on trust, comfort, and mutual respect. Feel free to express any concerns or preferences you have regarding the therapeutic process, if something didn't work for you in the past or whether you have any specific preferences.
Therapy is a personal choice, and you have the autonomy to continue or discontinue at any time. However, it’s beneficial to commit to seeing your therapist weekly or fortnightly (for the beginning stages). This ensures continuity and helps establish momentum, particularly in the early stages of therapy.
Your first therapy session is a significant step toward better mental health and personal growth. While it may involve many questions and discussions about your past and present functioning, it’s a crucial foundation for the therapeutic work ahead. Therapy is a journey, and finding the right therapist and approach can make all the difference. Take this first step with an open mind and a willingness to engage, and you’ll be well on your way to living your best life.
References
American Psychological Association. Protecting your privacy: Understanding confidentiality. Apa.org; https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/confidentiality
Australian Psychological Society. Psychological testing. Psychology.org.au. https://psychology.org.au/psychology/about-psychology/what-does-a-psychologist-do/psychological-tests-and-testing
