What Should I Expect in My First Therapy Session?
Starting therapy is a great first step in prioritizing your wellness and improving your life! As with any new adventure, starting can be the most difficult part. Learning about what to expect in your first therapy appointment can help demystify the experience and make you more comfortable as you begin therapy.
For those looking for therapy near me in Collingswood or Moorestown, contact us today to begin your journey.
Arriving to Therapy
As you arrive at your therapist’s office, take a seat in the waiting room (or virtual waiting room if you are having a telehealth session). Arriving a few minutes early will help to ease any pre-session jitters as you settle in and take a moment to think about what brings you into therapy. Your therapist will come out to greet you in the waiting room at your appointment time and welcome you into their office.
Meeting Your Therapist
Upon starting your therapy session, your therapist will likely begin by sharing about confidentiality, how therapy works, practice policies, what type of therapy they conduct, and how the first appointment is a bit different than later sessions. This is a great time to ask any big-picture questions you may have about therapy. Some common questions clients have in their first appointment are “How long does therapy last? What should I expect in an appointment? Or how does scheduling work?”
In the Session
The first therapy appointment can be quite different from follow up appointments as your therapist is likely working on an intake assessment or “biopsychosocial assessment” in your first appointment. In this assessment, your therapist will ask you many questions to gather information and get to know you better. They will likely ask questions about your mental health symptoms and history, family history, medical history, education or employment, social support network, and goals for therapy. Although many clients want to dive into the therapeutic work in the first appointment, taking time for a thorough assessment in this appointment is very important so that your therapist will have all the information they need to provide the best care possible.
Interested in Starting Therapy?
If you are interested in setting up a first appointment with your new therapist, reach out to Mind, Body and Soul through our Contact Page or by emailing [email protected]!