What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

So you decided to finally start therapy after maybe years of putting it off. Maybe you had a successful free consultation with someone, maybe you found someone through your insurance. But today's the day, and now what?

Whether you're meeting your therapist in person or online, you can expect there to be some common introductions to the work you will be doing together. Your therapist may ask you if you felt anything leading up to today; nervousness, excitement, like you wanted to cancel, etc. You'll explore that, and you'll move into what we typically call an intake appointment. This is where the therapist collects background information about you including your upbringing, family dynamics, relationships, and anything that helps the two of you get to know each other better. This can be done a little more formally in a question/response style or can be more conversational depending on the therapist's style. Not everything has to be covered in that intake session, more info will be gathered about your background throughout your treatment. 

This first session can be a lot for some people because we essentially give our life story in 45 minutes, things we maybe haven't talked about in years. So to prepare for that first session, find a quiet spot to think and breathe. Afterwards, I recommend a walk or some journaling. Something that allows you to stay with those feelings a little longer, rather than jumping right back into work (if you can help it) or scrolling instagram.