What to Expect When Therapy Begins
Your therapist will usually want to understand a little about your current circumstances and the difficulties you are experiencing.
You may talk about how long you have been feeling this way, how it affects your everyday life and what you hope might change through therapy.
There may also be practical matters to discuss, including confidentiality, session length, frequency, fees and how future appointments work.
Most importantly, the first session gives you an opportunity to experience the therapeutic relationship for yourself.
Feeling comfortable enough to talk honestly is an important part of effective therapy, but trust does not necessarily develop instantly. It is perfectly normal to feel nervous, uncertain or unsure what to say during a first appointment.
There is no pressure to discuss anything before you feel ready. Therapy can develop gradually, allowing you to explore difficult subjects at a pace that feels manageable.