Your First Appointment: What to Expect?

By Nicole Houck

Therapy can be daunting, especially if you are just starting out. If you’re looking to start a therapy journey, but don’t know what to expect, don’t worry! Let’s explore what the first session typically looks like together. 

The “Intake Interview”

The main thing you should know about your first therapy session is that it will likely look very different from sessions moving forward. This session is typically referred to as an “intake interview” or “biopsychosocial interview” where your therapist will ask you questions to get the full picture of you, your history, and your current situation. 

Here are some examples of questions you might be asked during this session:

• Do you have any prior mental health history? 

• What made you want to start therapy?

• What are the current stressors in your life?

• What do you think might be important for me to know about you?

• Do mental health issues run in your family?

• Who makes up your immediate family?

Yes, this may feel a bit like an interview, and might be a little bit uncomfortable due to the formality of it all. However, this type of questioning is typically unique to the first session or two. So, push through until you get into some real sessions before you make a decision about whether or not to continue!

Therapist Introduction

Along with asking you some questions, your therapist will probably take some time to introduce themselves. They might mention things like their license, their areas of expertise, how they like to conduct sessions, and their hobbies outside of work. Specifically, they might talk about the specific type of therapy that they like to utilize. If you want a quick introduction to the therapy types, I’ve included a graphic from Elizabeth Nelson on Pinterest.

All of the introductory information they provide is in an effort to establish client-counselor rapport. We want you to be comfortable in the space, so establishing a good relationship with clients is going to be an early goal of many therapists. Feel free to ask any questions you have! 

Do’s and Dont’s

Do:

• Bring relevant information (insurance card, ID, family history, etc.)

  • If you aren’t sure what you’ll need, you can call the facility and ask!

• Give yourself time to breathe before and after the session

• Be open and honest–its the best way they can be equipped to help you!

• Try and make yourself comfortable in the space

• Express your emotions–crying, laughing, and anxious fidgeting are all normal!

Don’t: 

• Assume the rest of your sessions will be set up the same as the first

• Put up an emotional wall during the interview

• Feel snubbed if your therapist spends a lot of time writing things down

  • They aren’t trying to be rude or impersonal, they just want to make sure they get all of this crucial information to inform future sessions

• Be ashamed of any of your answers

• Rush through the session–take time to give honest, complete answers

All in all, your first therapy session will likely be a bit different from the rest. At times, it may feel more like an interview than a conversation with a counselor. Knowing what the first session will look like can help you feel prepared and, hopefully, a bit less nervous or stressed. Don’t judge therapy by the first session. Hang in there!

Visit our site to start your therapy journey today.