Your first appointment will be just the basics - name, address, phone number, signing the intake papers. Be sure to read them carefully. Most agencies now include release of information forms and a form as to if you concent to having your therapy sessions tape recorded or vidio tapes. The recordings do not go outside the agency. they have two purposes - most agencies have "interns" certified therapists working towards their state board license and the recordings are used as a part of training programs and also some therapists use the recording so that they don't have to sit there writing notes while talking with you. The release forms are so that they can get copies of any other therapy records and if you want to share information with other agencies like for example in my file there is a signed release form active so that my primary physicain (family medical doctor) and my therapist can contact each other if needed because my primary physician is the one who prescribes my medication when needed and so on.

before going you might want to find some quiet moments shere you can take your time and write down why you think you should or want to be in therapy, what your problems are and a list of possible ways which you can solve those problems. and a list of things you are willing to do as a part of therapy such as your views on medication, talking, journalling, art therapy, hospitalizations, ECT (Electrocunvulsive treatment other wise known as shock therapy) and any questions about the therapist qualifications, therapy techniques and so on that you can think of.

This will come in handy because part of the first few sessions is the therapist and you discussing the short cersion of what you are going into therapy for and setting your goals that you will be completing while attending therapy.

Once those getting to know you basics are done it is just a matter of you completing the goals set down for your treatment plan.

Yes it is ok to take your jounals in. I share mine with my therapist from time to time.