The First Session
Whether you’re a therapy beginner or an experienced veteran, starting therapy with someone new is always anxiety-producing. After all, you’ll be entering unfamiliar territory. What will the therapist be like? Will she be able to help? What will be expected of you?
Think of our first session or two as a getting-to-know-each-other phase. You’ll want to learn about my background and experience, get a sense of me and my way of working, and decide if you feel comfortable with the idea of beginning therapy with me. I’ll want to learn about you, develop a beginning understanding of the problems that brought you in, and think with you about whether I’m the right therapist to help. Both of us will be figuring out if there’s a good “fit” between us as a collaborative team. And there’s nothing wrong with shopping around a bit. It’s always a good idea to interview two or three therapists before beginning, especially if it’s your first time in therapy.
At the end of the consultation I will give you my beginning understanding of your problem and tell you if I think I can help. I’ll also recommend a treatment plan (i.e. individual, couple, or family therapy) and a frequency (i.e. once or twice a week therapy). If, for any reason, you decide not to continue with me, I’ll happily provide you with names of colleagues who might be a better fit.