The First Session.
I totally understand that the first session is such an anxiety evoking, nervous energy feeling. Bringing someone into this part of your life, pure vulnerability, is huge.
“What should I expect? What will my therapist be like? Will they think I am just crazy? Will I even like them? Is it worth my time and money? Do they look like their picture?”
As a therapist, the first session is literally so exciting for me. I take this role very seriously. I know how you are feeling, and I promise I will work hard to ensure it does not feel the way you may be expecting. I work to make it different.
It is my job to have that first consult call (or exchange via text message if that is what the client prefers). Let’s get some of the policy information out of the way before you come in; I do not like to waste your time. Having worked with therapists, they really appreciate this piece.
The first session sets the tone for how therapy, and the relationship, will go.
What should you expect from your typical “first session?”
-Explanation of roles and boundaries.
-Cancellation policy (even if we talked about it on the phone prior).
-Time frame: 50 minute “clock hour” session.
-Schedule for appointments.
-Your reasons for being here.
-Any additional questions or concerns you may have.
I will make sure you get time to talk about why you are here. I will also plant some [emotional and thought-provoking] seeds for us to explore and water throughout our journey.
It will take four to six weekly sessions for us to get through some of the muddy stuff that is in the way before we begin biweekly (every other week) sessions. That is very common. This ensures setting the path to get to the real work we can do. We will talk about what feels like a good fit for your therapy experience.
Trust the process. We (the therapists that get it) understand it is hard to trust a stranger. Over time, we will definitely not be a stranger. We will be a partner in this journey with you. We are dedicated as soon as that first session begins.
You will want to come back. Then sometimes you will not want to come back. It is important to come back anyways and talk about that. If you really trust your therapist, you will be able to talk about that. And they will normalize and validate those feelings for you.
I can promise you that my five years studying to become a therapist, + three years with supervised therapy work + an examination to affirm my skill set + my total of 11 years as a therapist will be worth the energy and investment you put into it (yes, it is a dual energy relationship).
My goal is changing the way some people have experienced and seen therapy before. It is actually super great, I promise. You just need to trust. Or at least…lean into trusting. Or at least…find the right therapist to trust.
Reach out, let’s get started.
