What to Expect
The lead up to your first therapy session is often a mix of emotions and questions — but mostly questions about what the experience will be like. We asked Happier Living’s therapist Kensie Hoag, LCSW, to share her insights on what to expect and how to prepare.
Starting therapy or restarting therapy can be exciting, intimidating or a mix of both. The first session with a new therapist is often similar to a first date. You attend knowing you are opening yourself up to questions, feedback, and it is the expectation of the other person that you respond to these with honesty and vulnerability. This can trigger anxiety, as we never quite know how that other person will respond to our authentic self. Remember, the therapist is trained to guide the session in ways that make you the most comfortable. If you sense this isn't happening, feel free to speak up! You aren't forced to share every detail of your past the first time you meet someone. It's okay – and encouraged – to discuss your comfort level at the very first session. Your therapist isn't the expert on you, YOU ARE.
If you've had therapy before, it's helpful to discuss what worked well and what didn't. Be prepared to answer questions about the duration of your therapy and what specific issues you addressed. Your therapist should also be asking you about your goals for your current therapy. What is causing distress in your life? What do you want to prioritize? Similar to that first date, it is your time to ask questions about them. How long have they been a therapist? Why are they passionate about it? What methods do they usually use? Do they have experience working with others with the same symptoms? It's your chance to decide if the therapist is a good fit for you.
The first couple of sessions can be a little clunky. The therapist will be asking questions about your environment, support system, activities of daily living, strengths, and functioning. This is called a biopsychosocial assessment. It helps the therapist develop a treatment plan and decide which modalities may be the most effective. This is also the time when rapport, or the relationship, is being built. Your therapist will be taking extensive notes to help them remember all of those really important details about you, so if they seem a bit distracted, this may be why. For a portion of the first session, your therapist will be outlining the guidelines and procedures of therapy. This should include confidentiality, specific agency policies, legal and ethical implications and fees. If this isn't covered, please feel free to ask. It's important this is understood and agreed upon by both parties before therapy can begin. While you may want to just "jump right in," there has to be time set aside to cover these very crucial topics. It will cut into the session time, but it is an unfortunate must.
Lastly, give your therapist grace. They are a trained professional, but they are a human who is also getting to know the ins and outs of you. This takes time. The trust will develop, and it may not be there the moment you meet them. Every therapist has a unique style and personality. Please let them know how they can best help you.
