What to expect in your first therapy session
Stepping into therapy for the first time is like entering into the unknown. Clients come in with a combination of curiosity, hope, and apprehension—guessing what questions will be asked, if they will be heard, or if therapy will really benefit them. As a psychologist, in my experience, the initial session is less about short-term answers and more about establishing a ground for a secure and caring relationship.
The initial stages are usually about making introductions and establishing comfort. You will see that I spend time describing how therapy works—the session format, confidentiality, and the collaborative process. This is not a formality; it is my way of assuring you that your history will be treated with respect and care.
Throughout the session, your reasons for doing therapy naturally come to the foreground. Some clients present with identifiable issues, such as anxiety or relationship issues, and others present with a generalized feeling of being stuck or overwhelmed. You don't need to present yourself fully formed or even have any idea where to start. I am here to listen carefully, pose gentle questions, and assist you in shaping the concerns that led you to my office.
Most importantly, session one isn't a labeling or "fixing" of you. Rather, it is about learning—working through your history, your habits, and the feelings associated with what has happened. You might be asked to discuss your hopes too: What are you looking for from therapy? What is most pressing to work on? In the process, we begin establishing a path, but the path is still malleable and specific to your needs.
You may emerge from the first session feeling relieved, just from having talked freely without judgment. Or you can leave with new questions and thoughts prompted by the exchange. Both are a part of the process. Therapy is not an overnight fix but a place where growth happens incrementally, at a rate that feels comfortable for you.
As a psychologist, I consider the first session to be the beginning page of a trust relationship. It's an invitation—to bring your true self to the table and for me to accompany you in interpreting your experiences. If you're feeling anxious prior to the first session, keep in mind: you don't have to have it all together. The most significant step is merely showing up. Healing then starts.
Written By- Mr. SUDARSAN - Psychotherapist (Mindmaris Counsellors India Pvt)
