What Is Therapy? And What Should I Expect During My First Visit?
Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, life transitions, or just need a space to talk, understanding what therapy is and what to expect from your first visit can help ease any uncertainties.
What is Therapy?
Therapy, also known as counseling or psychotherapy, is a collaborative process between you and a trained mental health professional. The goal is to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Therapists use different evidence-based techniques to support your mental and emotional well-being, helping you gain insight and develop tools for coping and growth.
During your search for a therapist, you may find that there are different types of therapy (like cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or humanistic) and they may specialize with different populations (children or adults, neurodivergent clients, LGBTQ+ clients, religious clients, etc.) Don’t be afraid to look around and do some research beforehand, but the therapist will also be more than happy to help answer any questions during your first session.
What Happens in the First Session?
The first therapy session is often called an “intake” and here is what you can typically expect:
1. Introductions and Building RAPPORT
Your therapist will likely begin by introducing themselves, explaining their background, and discussing confidentiality. You'll have a chance to introduce yourself as well in addition to why you are seeking therapy.
2. Gathering Information
Expect questions - lots of them. Your therapist may ask about your current challenges, mental health history, relationships, lifestyle, medical background, and goals for therapy (just to name a few topics). This helps them form a general idea of your experiences and what support you are looking for.
3. Setting Expectations
Together, you and your therapist may outline goals for what you hope to achieve in therapy. This might include discussing frequency of sessions, modalities used, interventions of interest, or how progress will be measured (both subjectively and objectively).
4. Q&A Time
Even though the therapist will have a myriad of questions, you will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions. Whether you're curious about the therapist’s approach, what sessions will be like, or even what to expect in between sessions, don't hesitate to speak up. Your therapist is there to make sure you are comfortable!
Tips for a Great First Session
Be honest. You don’t need to share everything right away, but being open helps build a strong foundation. You can even introduce a topic and share that you would like to expand on this at a later date.
Come with questions. It’s okay (and encouraged) to ask about anything you’re unsure of. Sometimes it helps to have these written down beforehand in case you feel nervous!
Be patient. The first session is just the beginning of your journey - progress takes time and this is OKAY!
Be on time. This is important to make sure you can make the most out of this first session. Feel free to call the practice ahead of time if you have questions about directions or paperwork!
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy is for sure a courageous step toward bettering your mental health and relationships. Your first visit is all about beginning a conversation and establishing a safe, supportive space with a professional. No matter your reason for seeking help, therapy offers a path toward understanding, healing, and personal growth in a way that makes sure that you are not alone.
-Ciera Canaday, LCSW (Clinical Director and Psychotherapist)