What Happens in a First Therapy Session?

If you’ve ever thought about starting therapy, you might be wondering: “What actually happens in the first session?”

This is a very common question — especially for neurodivergent people who like to know what to expect before stepping into something new. Feeling prepared can make the process less overwhelming, and it’s completely okay to ask about it.

Here’s what usually happens:

1. A Warm Welcome
The first session is about getting to know each other. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. You set the pace, and I’ll meet you where you are.

2. Going Over Practical Stuff
We’ll talk through basics like confidentiality, scheduling, and how therapy works. This is also a time for you to ask any questions about the process.

3. Exploring Your Story (At Your Speed)
I may ask some questions about what brought you to therapy and what you’d like support with. If you’re not sure yet, that’s okay — some people just know they want things to feel different, even if they don’t have the words yet.

4. Setting Goals Together
We’ll explore what you’d like to get out of therapy. That could be learning coping tools, building self-understanding, or working on specific challenges. Goals are flexible and can change as we go.

5. Creating a Plan
By the end of the session, we’ll have a sense of what future sessions might look like. You’ll leave knowing the next step — no guessing games.

A Few Important Notes:

• You don’t have to prepare anything unless you want to.

• You don’t have to share everything right away. Therapy is a process, not a one-time download.

• If you need accommodations (like written notes after sessions, breaks, or slower pacing), we can make that part of the plan from day one.

💡 Starting therapy is a big step, and it’s normal to feel nervous. The first session is simply about building comfort and making sure you feel safe and supported. If you’re ready to work with someone that gets how overwhelming the process can be, click here to book with me today!