What to expect your first session

nongpimmy/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

The first session with a therapist is a unique experience. It is different from all future sessions, which will be dictated by what problems you are facing. But in that first hour, there is lots of important information you and your therapist will be going through. Every therapist is different, but here’s what you might expect in your first session.

First of all, arrive early. There is likely some paperwork for you to fill out. Some of this will be

financial. This would include insurance information, so make sure to bring that with you. If you don’t have insurance, you may have to sign a contract stating that you take financial responsibility for paying for the sessions. You might also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your symptoms and history.

You might also be given a paper stating the limits of confidentiality. Whether or not you get the paper, your therapist should talk to you about it and answer any questions you have. You can also read more about confidentiality in therapy here.

You may have filled out paperwork on it already, but your therapist will likely ask you about your background and what symptoms you are experiencing. Be completely honest. You’re not going to be rejected for telling the truth. Only if you are open can your therapist formulate the best possible treatment plan for you.

There will also probably be questions about your current situation – occupation, relationship status, living situation, family and social relationships, and so on. This is done to get a better idea of the stressors you might face and the support you have. Again, be honest. You’re not trying to impress anyone.

The most important question, though, is what brings you to therapy. Think ahead of time about what you would like to accomplish with your time together. You don’t need to know exactly what the plan is – that’s something your therapist and you will come up with together. But a basic idea of what you want to change in your life is very helpful and an important starting point for treatment.

With all the questions you are being asked, you probably have some of your own. That’s perfectly appropriate. Now’s a great time to learn about your therapist and the process of therapy. Some ideas for questions you might want to ask are here. 

What you shouldn’t expect, however, is for problems to be solved. Some therapists might jump right into the issue and leave some of the questions discussed for later, but even then, remember that therapy is a long-term process. If you have an imminent emergency, make that clear to your therapist early on, but if not, let the first session be what it is. It’s a time for you and your therapist get to know each other and make goals for treatment.

What has your experience been with first sessions? Tell your story in the comments.