What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions and uncertainty. If you are wondering what your first therapy session will be like, you are not alone. The first session is designed to help you feel comfortable, informed, and supported as we begin working together.

Your first therapy session is typically a comprehensive assessment. This is a chance for me to get to know you—your background, what brought you to therapy, and any concerns or challenges you are currently facing. If trauma or difficult life experiences are part of your story, we approach those topics carefully and at a pace that feels safe for you.

This session also helps guide treatment planning. Based on what you share, I begin to identify which therapy approaches or treatment modalities may be most appropriate for your needs and goals. Therapy is individualized, and this process allows us to develop a plan that fits you rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.

The first session is also an opportunity for you to ask questions. You can ask about the therapy process, confidentiality, what sessions typically look like, and what working together may involve. We will also begin talking about your goals for therapy and what you would like to focus on moving forward.

You are not expected to share everything during your first therapy session. Many people need time to feel comfortable opening up, and that is completely okay. Therapy moves at your pace. I meet clients where they are, with the goal of creating a space that feels safe, respectful, and supportive.

Most importantly, the first session is about building rapport. We are beginning a therapeutic relationship, and that foundation matters. From there, we take things one step at a time.