What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

What usually happens in the first therapy session?

Your first session is about setting a good foundation. It's an opportunity to learn more about what you can achieve and how the process works. Most importantly, you can start to evaluate how you feel with your chosen therapist. It's also a great time to ask lots of questions, which we'll cover below.

How should you feel after first therapy session?

How will I feel after a therapy session?

Relieved, if you've shared something important and felt heard and understood.
Energised, if you've started to understand something new about yourself or set yourself a new goal to work on.
Exhausted, if you've found the session challenging or hard work.

Is the first therapy session awkward?

Your first therapy sessions will probably feel awkward. If they do, it's not you—it's just part of the process. Hold on and get through them and you can get to the part where therapy gets good. One of the reasons your first sessions might not be what you expect is that a therapist has to start by doing an assessment.

What to say at the beginning of a therapy session?

In greeting the client, I make clear I'm glad to see him or her: I smile, look them in the eye and say something such as "Good to see you again, Mary," and then a bit of small talk. For example, if during the previous session, s/he had mentioned her dog Woofie," I might ask, "How's Woofie doing?"

Is it okay to cry during therapy?

Crying in therapy is not only normal but often a sign of progress. It's a sign that you're willing to confront and process deep emotions, paving the way for a breakthrough. As you journey through therapy, remember that tears can be powerful agents of healing and transformation.

How do I prepare for my first therapy?
To prepare for therapy, embrace your emotions, ask your therapist questions, set goals, and keep an open mind. During your session, start slow, write down your thoughts, be mentally prepared, and take time to reflect afterward.

What if I cried during my first therapy session?

Yes, it is perfectly okay to cry during therapy. Therapists are trained to deal with difficult emotions on a daily basis; if you start crying, any competent therapist will respond in an empathetic, non-judgmental way.

How do you know if therapy is working?

Thinking and feeling differently about yourself is at the heart of all of the changes therapy can help you make. So, if you notice that your attitude toward yourself has shifted even just a little, take heart—therapy is working, and some really big changes could be right around the corner.

Why is therapy so hard at first?

Therapy sessions can bring up intense emotions, so having strategies to manage these feelings is essential. It's normal to feel emotional pain and anxiety during therapy, especially if it's the first time you are talking about these feelings or experiences with another person.

Why am I embarrassed to cry in therapy?

If you are embarrassed about crying in therapy: you aren't alone! There are several things that can influence your crying in therapy, including: Comfort level: Some people are uncomfortable crying in front of others, even in a therapeutic setting.

How long should my first therapy session be?

Initial intake sessions may last longer than regular weekly sessions. They might run from 60–90 minutes. Your therapist needs this amount of time to gather all relevant information about you and why you're seeking help.

Is it normal to be scared to start therapy?

It's okay to feel hesitant or nervous about starting therapy. Recognize that it's a normal response to seeking help for your mental health, and that it's okay to feel vulnerable. It's important to acknowledge your feelings and work through them in order to move forward.

What do therapists ask for the first session?

The very first question in therapy is usually about the presenting problem or the chief complaint for which the client comes to therapy, often followed by an exploration of the client's past experience with therapy, if any, and their expectations of future outcomes of therapy.

How to go deeper in therapy?

By expressing how you feel in the moment, you can make the experience of sharing be part of the conversation. Let your therapist support you through the sharing process. If there are more recent issues that you want to discuss along with your more deep-seated issues, share this at the beginning of your session.

Do you tell your therapist everything?

In short, yes, you should tell your therapist everything. Transparency in therapy can support you in meeting your clinical goals and, ultimately, feeling better. After all, therapy is a large investment of money and time, so you want to get the most out of it that you possibly can.

Will my therapist judge me if I cry?

there is nothing wrong with crying in session so keep expressing your feelings however you need to. This is a safe place to be you. However you best express your genuine emotions as they come up, it is safe here.

What do therapists do when a client cries?

Therapists should help clients express and explore the feelings behind and the reason for these tears, as well as the potential new information that conversations about the crying event can reveal.

Do therapists worry about their clients?

The nature of the therapy relationship—the way you interact with your therapist—invites care. It makes it hard for your therapist not to care. So yes, in their own way, your therapist cares about you, and they feel positive feelings toward you.

What are good questions to ask my therapist?

Ten Questions to Ask Your Psychotherapist

• Question 1: What problems/challenges/symptoms will you help me with? ...
• Question 2: What is your explanation for why I have the problems/challenges/symptoms I have? ...
• Question 3: What do you think is the ultimate goal of this treatment?

Can a therapist diagnose?

Yes, just like psychiatrists, therapists are trained to diagnose mental health disorders. A therapist will use talk therapy to determine a mental health problem and conduct psychological tests to make a diagnosis. A therapist can also develop a treatment plan for you based on your diagnosis.

What to say to a therapist for the first time?

How to Talk to a Therapist: 6 Tips

• Prepare for Your Sessions. Before you go to your first therapy session, you can prepare by taking some time to reflect on what you hope to get out of therapy. ...
• Discuss Your Goals. ...
• Be Honest and Open. ...
• Ask Questions. ...
• Be Open to Feedback. ...
• Share Your Feedback.

Can my therapist hold me while I cry?

In general a therapist holding your hand is “Okay.” In specific, it depends. It could be a natural gesture, comfortable and comforting, a healthy moment in very long term therapy. Or it could be an unwanted and confusing intrusion.

Should I see a therapist if I can't cry?

If your inability to cry is affecting your mental health or relationships in life, it may be time to seek professional support. A therapist can help you uncover the root cause of your emotional block and offer strategies to help you reconnect with your emotions.

What if I cry in front of my therapist?

Allowing yourself to cry in front of your therapist can strengthen your therapeutic relationship. It demonstrates trust and vulnerability, which are key components of effective therapy. Plus, it gives your therapist valuable insight into your emotional world.

What is the biggest indicator of success in therapy?

The therapeutic alliance, or working relationship between the client and therapist, is generally regarded as one of the most important determinants of therapy outcome.

How long does therapy last?

The length of therapy is quite variable, and the final decision regarding the length of therapy rests jointly with the patient and therapist. Some patients stay for as short a time as two or three sessions, while others are in therapy for two or three years or more as they continue to pursue goals and practice skills.

What to talk about in therapy?

Common topics to discuss in therapy can include:

Current challenges and stressors. Your goals. Relationships and interpersonal issues. Emotions and feelings.

What is the hardest part of therapy?

Getting started in therapy is often the hardest part. Most people report feeling better just by scheduling the first appointment. Knowing that you have set aside time to get help allows you to put your fears aside and focus on what you need to do today.

What to do if I'm scared to go to therapy?

Share your fears

Don't be afraid to talk to your therapist about your fear of therapy. It's okay to be anxious about therapy and sharing that can actually be a good starting point for your sessions. Your therapist will understand and help you cope with these feelings.

Why do I feel weird after starting therapy?

People often feel worse after therapy because the session brought up deep emotions that are painful to them, or the therapist may have challenged their beliefs. People do not recognize therapy as a process, and discomfort should be expected when navigating difficult emotions.

What do therapists do when clients cry?

Provide comfort with your voice, perhaps saying something like, “Oh, Sarah,” or “I'm so sorry,” keeping your tone gentle and soft. After a few moments, without jumping in too quickly, validate their pain by saying something like, “I know this experience has been incredibly painful for you.” Tip 2: Let them cry it out.

Is it normal to feel awkward in therapy?

If your first few sessions feel awkward, you're not alone. Starting therapy can be especially awkward if you've not been in therapy before. But it's always pretty awkward regardless. Some of it is that it's always awkward talking to someone before you get to know them well.

Is it OK if your therapist cries?

If your therapist's crying is making you feel uneasy, bring it to their attention. You're likely not the only one who feels this way. However, if the crying is appropriate and not disruptive, there is no need to feel guilty or concerned.

What to say in your first therapy session?

In your first therapy sessions, you'll talk about your reasons for coming to therapy. You'll talk about what's been going on in your life that is painful, difficult, or at least not working as well as you'd like. You'll talk about things you want to change and any goals you might have.

What do therapists do after a session?
Your therapist may look over their notes a few days after your session and use it as a reminder about the session's talking points, emotions expressed, and if any resolutions came forward. Therapy notes include main points of discussion, generalizations, specific examples, impressions, and observations.