What to Expect from Your First Therapy Appointment

If you’ve been on a therapist’s waitlist for a while, or you’ve never seen a therapist before, you might wonder what to expect from your first appointment. The answer is actually quite simple and not as intense as you may believe. Your first appointment is usually information-driven with tasks such as reviewing intake forms, going over any goals or concerns, or a bit more about getting to know your therapist. Some therapists might cover these topics in a free initial consultation while others might include them in your first appointment. Either way, let’s get you ready for what to expect when your first consultation or appointment arrives.

Reviewing Intake Paperwork

We prefer your intake paperwork be filled out prior to your first appointment. If you haven’t yet filled out your forms, they will need to be completed before the date of your first session. Once your paperwork is finished, your therapist will review the information and make sure all is correct. When filling out your forms, try to be as thorough as possible, so that more time can be spent with your therapist on getting to know one another and outlining what to expect in future sessions.

During this intake review, your therapist will take the time to discuss their methods of communication as well as their availability. This information is key when setting new appointments or needing to know how to contact them between appointments. Privacy expectations will also be discussed to keep your information confidential. Your therapist will be up-front about your fees as well, and what you can expect with regards to a regular pay schedule, any co-pays, or insurance coverage.

Your Therapist’s Style

As you get to know your therapist, they’ll speak some on their personal therapy style and how they work with their clients. Now is the time to ask any questions or express any fears or hopes you may have about your therapy sessions. Do you have any expectations when it comes to therapy? Is there anything specific you wish to discuss? These questions might run the gamut about your therapy overall, about how certain methods work, or perhaps about your therapist’s education or experience in his or her field. Once you know your therapist a little better, you’ll find it easier to open up and be ready for subsequent sessions.

Discuss Any Concerns and Goals

Knowing your therapist’s style, as well as their history and expertise, goes a long way to alleviate any concerns you might have about beginning therapy. Before you arrive, take some time to write out your concerns and your goals. What do you want to see improve? Do you have any milestones you’d like to achieve? Knowing these things from the start will help your therapist going forward to make a plan that’s right for you. 

Exploring Your History

In order to help connect with certain issues you have today, your therapist will need to know your history and things that have happened in the past. It’s understandable your first session might not be the right time to share certain details that you’re not yet comfortable talking about. Don’t worry, your therapist will not be offended. It is normal to feel vulnerable here. Feel free to tell your therapist this. You will not be expected to share anything before you are ready. 

All in all, you’ll want to be prepared for your first appointment by readying your intake paperwork, taking some time to get to know your therapist, communicating any goals or concerns, and exploring your history to lay a foundation that will prepare you for the sessions yet to come.