Starting therapy can feel a little daunting, but it’s an incredibly brave step toward better mental health and well-being. Whether you’re feeling nervous, excited, or unsure about what lies ahead, it’s completely normal to have questions about your first session. In this blog, I want to walk you through what you can expect, so you can come in feeling more prepared and comfortable.
A Safe, Non-Judgmental Space
The first thing to know about therapy is that it’s a safe, confidential space. My role is to support you, not judge you. I aim to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a way that promotes understanding and healing. When you walk into our first session, I hope you feel welcomed, heard, and respected.
Getting to Know Each Other
In the beginning, I would like to try to get to know you a little better. This might mean talking about your background, your life circumstances, and what brings you to therapy. Don’t worry – there’s no pressure to dive into your deepest thoughts right away. Think of it like a casual conversation where you share what feels comfortable.
Discussing Your Goals
I will likely ask what you hope to achieve through therapy. Are you dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or something else? Maybe you're not even sure what’s bothering you yet – that’s okay too and completely normal. The important thing is for us to have an open conversation about what you’d like to work on, even if it’s just figuring out what’s going on for you at the moment.
Exploring the Present Moment
It can be helpful for me to ask you questions about how you’re feeling right now, both emotionally and physically. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers. Just being open to exploring your current state can be really helpful for both of us.
Talking About the Process
Therapy isn’t a one-time fix—it’s a process, and it might take several sessions to fully start working through some of the deeper issues. As an integrative therapist, I use different therapeutic approaches, and these will vary based on your needs It’s a collaborative process, and you’ll have a voice in the journey.
How You’ll Feel After the Session
It’s common to feel a bit emotionally drained or even a little lighter after your first session. Talking about your thoughts and emotions can bring up unexpected feelings but remember that you’re taking steps toward healing. Everyone’s experience is different but know that it’s okay to have mixed emotions—both positive and challenging—after your session.
A Journey, Not a Race
One of the most important things to remember is that therapy is a journey, not something that needs to be rushed. Your first session might feel like a lot to process or overwhelming, and that’s okay. The key is to keep showing up for yourself, and over time, you’ll see progress. One question I often get asked is: “Am I doing this right?” There’s no "perfect" way to do therapy—it’s about what works for you and at your own pace.
Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone
Taking that first step into therapy can feel like a big leap, but it’s also a powerful decision to prioritise your mental health. I will be there to walk with you through this journey, and you don’t have to have all the answers right away. Therapy is a safe, open space for you to explore your feelings and work through challenges with myself as a compassionate guide by your side.
Remember: therapy isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about taking small steps toward understanding yourself better and finding the support you deserve. So, when you come in for your first session, trust the process, be kind to yourself, and know that it’s okay to feel however you feel. You’ve got this!
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