For many people, reaching out to a psychologist is a big step. You might feel nervous, unsure about what will happen, or even wonder if therapy is the right choice for you. That’s completely normal. This post will walk you through what to expect in your first session so you feel more prepared and comfortable.
🌱 1. A Warm Welcome
Your first session is about building a safe, supportive space. You don’t need to bring anything except yourself. Some people like to write down a few notes about what’s been going on for them, but it’s not essential.
🧩 2. Talking Through Your Story
The first session is often a chance for you to share a little about what’s brought you to therapy. You can share as much or as little as you feel ready to. Your psychologist may ask gentle questions to get a clearer picture of your experiences, challenges, and goals.
🎯 3. Setting Goals Together
Every person comes to therapy for different reasons—whether it’s support for trauma, anxiety, grief, or personal growth. In your first session, your psychologist will work with you to set some goals. These goals can change over time, but they give therapy direction and help you track progress.
🔐 4. Confidentiality and Safety
Everything you share in session is confidential. Your psychologist will explain the limits to confidentiality (for example, in cases of risk of harm) so you fully understand how your privacy is protected.
🛠️ 5. Planning Next Steps
At the end of your first appointment, you and your psychologist will discuss a plan moving forward. That might mean scheduling weekly or fortnightly sessions, discussing specific therapy approaches (such as EMDR or CBT), and answering any questions you have about the process.
💡 Final Reassurance
It’s okay if you feel nervous. Many people do. What matters most is that you’ve taken the first step toward support and healing. Therapy is a journey, and the first session is simply the beginning.
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