What to Anticipate in Your Initial Therapy Session for a Successful Start

So, you've taken a brave step by reaching out to a therapist and scheduling your first appointment. Now what?

This is often a moment filled with excitement and a bit of anxiety. You might have some questions swirling in your mind about what your first therapy session will be like. Even if you were given a rundown over the phone, it’s completely normal not to remember everything. At Truly You Counseling, whether your session is online or in person, we tailor your first visit to meet your individual (or family) needs. This guide aims to ease your worries by outlining what to expect, helping you become comfortable and encouraging a successful start to your therapeutic journey.

We'll review the basics first: confidentiality/privacy, informed consent to therapeutic interventions, and generally what to expect in sessions.

During the initial session, we’ll also explore more deeply what brought you in. By the end of our time together, we’ll work collaboratively to set some initial goals for therapy.

You can also expect a few common questions, such as:

What are your current symptoms or concerns?

What has your mental health journey looked like so far?

Do you have any significant medical history that you think is relevant?

What was your upbringing like?

How’s your support system (family, friends, etc.)?

What is your current life situation—are you working, in school, or figuring things out?

What has worked well for you in the past, and what hasn't worked well?

Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel heard and respected from day one. The last question of the hour will be, how did this experience feel? Was this a good fit, and if so, do you feel comfortable scheduling your next session? We strive to be open and receptive to honest feedback, and to use that information to create a supportive relationship with you.