What to expect in your first few therapy sessions

Starting therapy is challenging enough, but what do you need to know for those first few sessions? In most cases, those first few sessions look a bit different than the rest of your sessions. There is a lot of rapport building that needs to take place before you can really dive into the main reasons for seeking therapy.

My first few sessions with clients are typically spent going over my policies and procedures, asking clients a million questions about their life and background, and treatment planning. Some other topics covered during this time include, but are not limited to, medical providers on your team, resources you have or may need, safety planning, and diagnostic questions/referrals. I also give my clients space to ask me any questions during this time if they have them. Remember though, these sessions are about YOU, not your therapist.

Once these first few sessions have begun, the real work of therapy begins. But, why is rapport building so important in those first few (or more) sessions? Well, it isn’t comfortable just diving in without getting a sense for who the therapist is. Lack of comfort with your therapist, or not building rapport, can in some cases be a barrier to effective treatment. As the client, these first few sessions are also for you to see if you feel the therapist is someone you feel comfortable opening up to. It is okay to ask for referrals or feel the therapist may not be the “right fit” for you. You need to feel the most comfortable with this person for real change to happen.

Not every therapist runs their initial sessions exactly like this, so it is important to check with them prior to meeting if this is something you are needing to feel more comfortable.