What’s the First Session of Therapy Like?
Introduction
Many clients especially if new to therapy, feel nervous or, anxious before their first therapy session. This is likely because of the fear of the unknown. You might have a few “what if” thoughts that cause you to feel unsettled. If you are nervous or anxious, know that you are not alone. Many clients feel nervous on their first day. It can be difficult to open up to a stranger about the difficulties you’ve been experiencing. This article walks you through the first therapy session structure and what to expect during your first session so, you can feel a little less worried.
How to Prepare for your First Counseling Session
During your first phone call or free consultation you will likely be informed of paperwork that you will be needing to fill out prior, to your first therapy session. Some counseling centers send the paperwork to you virtually to fill out before your first counseling session and some have you fill it out when arriving to the session. Be sure to fill out all required documents before your first counseling session, if asked. It is also a good idea to write down goals you would like to work on before your session or, how you’d like to feel at the end of sessions.
What happens at the beginning of your First Therapy Session?
During your first counseling session your therapist will likely introduce themselves and go over consent forms. Common forms include the Good Faith Estimate, Disclosure form, Treatment Agreement form, Notice of Privacy, and the consent to telehealth-if relevant.
Your Therapist Gets to know you and Builds Rapport
Your first session and following sessions involve your therapist getting to know you. You will likely discuss your interests, history with mental health, and your presenting concerns. A solid foundation of rapport is necessary for successful therapy. Your therapist will likely do their best to help you feel comfortable, so you feel safe to “open up”.
Your first Therapy session Involves Various Assessments
The first session is often called the intake or assessment session. It involves completing the intake form which delves deeper into the difficulties you’ve been experiencing, family history, health, medications, substance use, etcetera. There are also different assessments that your therapist might conduct with you in your first session. A common assessment completed at Burch Tree Counseling Center is the Family Assessment which, gives your therapist a better idea of what it was like for you growing up. Your current concerns could be linked to childhood but, it doesn’t have to be.
Towards the end of your Therapy Session, You and Your Therapist will Create Goals Together
At the end of your first session, your therapist will likely create goals with you to accomplish together in therapy. This helps keep things organized and makes it easier to track progress. After goals and a plan to achieve your goals are created, your therapist will likely go over them. This is also known as your treatment plan.
Homework
Depending on your therapist’s counseling style and modality of choosing they might give you homework to complete after your first session, related to goal completion. This is because the majority of your time each week is spent outside of session. Progress is typically faster if the client completes the recommended homework assignments after each session. If your counselor doesn’t give you homework and you would like it, you can always notify your therapist and they will likely make accommodation to meet your specific needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your first session likely involves going over consent forms, going over the intake form to delve deeper into your history and presenting concerns, completing a few mental health assessments, and creating goals together. Every therapist has a different counseling structure and way that they conduct their first therapy session, with a client. This is general information on how most therapists conduct an intake session. To schedule your first therapy session with Burch Tree Counseling Center, click the link below. For your convenience you will be able to schedule online via our online system. You can also call the main office to schedule.
