Your First Therapy Session - What To Expect

Going to therapy for the first time can feel intimidating. You might be unsure what to expect from the initial therapy session and likely feel nervous about speaking openly to a stranger. Being well prepared can help your confidence. Read on to learn more about the process, from what questions to expect during your first therapy session to the difference between assessment and therapy.

• Probing questions
• Sharing opinions and recomendations
• Transitioning from assessment to therapy
• What is the difference between assessment and therapy?
• In conclusion
• Resources

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Probing questions

The first thing you can expect when starting the therapy is that your therapist will likely ask many questions in the initial session/s, i.e. the assessment phase.

Therapists ask these questions to understand your life and concerns before deciding how best to help. Therapy isn't one size fits all; different approaches are applied depending on the circumstances.

Sometimes, most questions will be on questionnaires your therapist asks you to complete, e.g., questionnaires that help identify/measure your symptoms and concerns; others will come through structured or naturally flowing conversation.

What kinds of questions do therapists ask in the first session?

No two therapists are the same. Each brings an approach influenced by their training, their understanding of human difficulties, and life experience and background. Some emphasise early life, others interpersonal relationships, and others still thought processes or unconscious dynamics. Because of this, the questions therapists ask in the first session, and others differ; however, the ones listed here are typical.

• What brings you to therapy?
• What are some of the challenges you've been facing lately?
• How have you been feeling emotionally?
• Can you tell me about your life and family?
• Have you experienced any significant life changes recently?
• What are some of your goals for therapy?
• What have you tried so far, and was it helpful?
• Do others see this as a problem?
• What are some of your strengths and coping mechanisms?
• Have you experienced any trauma or significant events in your life that may be impacting your mental health?
• Are you on medication for any condition?
• How do you make understand your challenges?
• Have you tried therapy before?
• Has anything helped, and if so, what worked best?

These opening questions often lead to more, depending on your answers, the therapist's philosophy (orientation), and the ideas the therapist forms about the nature of your situation or difficulty; for example, your therapist may ask about your friends or family members. They may do this to understand your support system and the relationships that are important to you. Your answers will help shed light on your relationship style and if this affects your well-being.

Understanding these factors (and many others) allows the therapist to identify how and if therapy could be helpful to you and which approach is best for your needs.

Sharing opinions and recomendations

Once your therapist understands your situation better, they may share their opinion and recommend therapy if appropriate. Although this process forms part of the assessment and recommendations phase, it can have a therapeutic effect. In sharing their opinion, your therapist might trigger valuable insight and guidance to help you change your life.

Transitioning from assessment to therapy

If your therapist recommends therapy, they will likely start the process by explaining their approach. They may also discuss treatment goals and how you can work together to achieve them.

Therapists begin therapy by establishing a kind of contract. This includes setting the scene, describing their and your obligations, agreeing to a schedule and fee, and outlining their contact policy.

If they haven't already done so, most therapists will discuss confidentiality and its limits, such as breaking confidentiality to protect your safety or the safety of others from the first session.

You can also expect your therapist to explain the potential risks of therapy, including feelings of emotional discomfort, as you work through complex issues. In addition to discussing risks, your therapist may also cover the potential benefits of therapy. These can include improved mental health, better relationships, and an increased ability to manage stress and difficult emotions.

What is the difference between assessment and therapy?

While assessment focuses on collecting facts to help identify a difficulty, its impact, and the best course of action, therapy is an intervention. It, well, there are many kinds, is a set of techniques (usually verbal) proven to reduce, resolve, or assist with a range of psychological, emotional, mental health, and interpersonal and relational difficulties. During therapy, the therapist might listen attentively to what you have to say, helps you make meaning from your feelings, and explore their underlying reasons. Exploring your emotions with your therapist allows you to understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. Questions still form an essential part of the process, but now they aim to help you develop new insights into your thoughts, behaviours, and feelings and new coping mechanisms to help you manage difficult situations.

It's important to note that your therapist will not tell you what to do - instead, they will help you see things from a different perspective and develop new coping mechanisms that can help you manage difficult situations in your life. By helping you see things differently, your therapist can help you make positive changes and develop greater self-awareness.

In conclusion

Starting therapy can be a daunting experience. But remember, your therapist is there to help you. While every therapy session is unique, some elements you can expect in your first session include questions about your history and experiences, exploring your sense of self, and discussing treatment goals and strategies.

Now that you know what to expect in your first therapy session, you can mentally and emotionally prepare yourself, engage more effectively with your therapist, articulate your concerns and goals, and start working towards positive change.

Resources

Lifeline Toolkit - Explains what to expect in your first therapy session, including setting goals and building trust.

Verywell Mind - Covers how therapy works, what sessions involve, and tips for preparation.

Mind UK - Describes therapy stages, approaches, and ways to feel more comfortable.