What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and intimidating. If you’re wondering what actually happens in a first therapy session, you’re not alone. This page is here to help you feel more prepared, grounded, and supported as you take this meaningful step. Your first therapy session is guided by trauma-responsive, culturally affirming care designed to help you feel safe, respected, and empowered from the very beginning.
Your first session is a space to:
• Talk about what’s bringing you to therapy
• Ask questions about the process
• Share at your own pace
• Explore goals and concerns
• Get a feel for the therapeutic relationship
There is no pressure to perform, explain perfectly, or have everything figured out.
Before Your First Therapy Session
Once your first therapy is scheduled, you’ll receive simple intake forms that help me understand what has been bringing you to therapy. These forms may include questions about:
Current challenges and symptoms (anxiety, stress, trauma, relationships, etc.)
Medical and mental health history (as much as you’re comfortable sharing)
Your goals for therapy
Preferences around identity, communication, and support
You are always welcome to take your time and only share what feels safe for you.
What You Don’t Have to Do in the First Session
You do not have to:
Have everything figured out
Tell your full life story
Explain your pain perfectly
Know exactly what your goals are
Perform or “do therapy right”
Your only job is to show up as you are.
Common Feelings After Your First Therapy Session
Many people feel:
Relieved
Emotionally tired
Lighter
Thoughtful
Hopeful
Unsure
Or a mix of everything
There is no “right” way to feel after a first session. All reactions are welcome.
Start Therapy Today
If you’re ready to begin, you’re warmly invited to schedule a free consultation to explore whether we feel like the right fit to work together.
How we meet.
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I am exclusively providing video sessions. In-person therapy sessions are no longer available.
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Research indicates that telemental health therapy, or more commonly known as virtual or online therapy, is effective and as effective as in-person sessions.
I do offer the option to conduct our sessions over the phone instead of video to accommodate needs and unique circumstances.
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I use a HIPAA-compliant and secure platform for video sessions. All paperwork and sharing of documents will be provided via this platform.
Just like in-person sessions, all sessions and communication between us over phone or video are confidential and private.
Therapy Services FAQs
Answers to common questions about online therapy, including fees and insurance.
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