What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
So you did it. You finally made an appointment with a therapist…but now what? Starting therapy can cause a mix of emotions—curiosity, hope, and even nervousness. That’s completely normal. Just like when we start anything new, we can have some anticipation about what to expect. So let’s demystify the first session to help ease some of those worries.
At Calm Mind Therapy, our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel comfortable exploring your thoughts and emotions. Here’s what you can expect in your first therapy session.
A Warm and Supportive Environment
Walking into therapy for the first time, whether in person or virtually, can feel like entering the unknown. At Calm Mind Therapy, we make our therapy spaces feel warm and inviting. We offer coffee, tea, and treats in our waiting area and have designed our offices to promote relaxation and comfort.
Getting to Know You
The first session is primarily about introductions and seeing if we (the therapist) are the right fit for you. We tell all of our clients that they are in the drivers seat. If we don’t feel like the best fit, we’ll work with them to find a therapist who they feel like they can connect with.
We like to ease into our sessions with clients, so expect a bit of chit chat up front. Don’t expect us to barrage you with heavy hitting questions in the first minute. We then want to learn more about you. We’ll ask questions like:
What brings you to therapy?
What challenges are you currently facing?
What do you hope to gain from therapy?
This conversation helps us get a sense of your unique experiences, background, and goals.
We also use this time for history taking. Every person has a unique story. These stories are what make us into the people we are today. Therefore, as therapists, it’s important for us to explore your history to better understand the core pieces of who you are.
We’ll ask questions about your physical, social, and psychological history. At Calm Mind Therapy, we like to do this in a causal, non-clinical way. And remember, you’re welcome to share as much or as little as you feel comfortable. We know talking about the deeper stuff can be difficult, so we don’t expect you to dive in the first session. We can build toward that.
There are no right or wrong answers—this is simply a way for your therapist to understand how best to support you.
Exploring Your Goals
Within the first session, we like to work with our clients to set some goals for treatment. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to identify what you’d like to work on. Some people come with specific goals, like managing anxiety or healing from past trauma, while others are still figuring things out. Either way, that’s okay! We’ll work together to clarify what you need and how we can best help.
Setting the Foundation
We will also cover some of the nitty gritty details of therapy. We’ll explain important aspects of the therapy process, such as:
Confidentiality – What you share in therapy stays private, with a few legal exceptions related to safety.
Session Structure – How sessions typically flow and what to expect in ongoing therapy.
Therapeutic Approach – Every client’s needs are different, so we like to work with clients to find a therapeutic approach that would feel best for them. We can discuss different approaches in session and see what might feel like the best fit.
We encourage you to ask any questions about therapy, the process, or your therapist’s approach. This is your space, and we want you to feel empowered in your journey.
No Pressure, Just Support
It’s normal to feel nervous or unsure in your first session. Some clients feel immediate relief, while others take time to open up. Therapy is a process, and the first session is just the beginning. There’s no need to have everything figured out right away—we’re here to guide and support you at your own pace.
If you’re ready to take that first step, Calm Mind Therapy is here for you. Reach out to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
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Calm Mind Therapy is a boutique mental health practice located in Ardmore, PA, specializing in the care of children, adolescents, and adults. Our mission is to provide the Main Line with high-quality mental health services for all ages. Our goal is to help our clients achieve emotional well-being and build a life worth living. Serving clients in Ardmore, Bryn Mawr, Wynnewood, Narberth, Radnor, Lower Merion, Haverford, Havertown, Villanova, Swarthmore, Devon, Berwyn, Malvern, Bala Cynwyd, and more.
