[LacunaCoiler]

Hi all,

I have my first therapy session on Tuesday and I was wondering what to expect. Think any of you all can tell me what to expect? What do they ask the first session? What do we talk about during the first hour? Etc?

JB

[Sanada]

first of all don't get anxious at all. the first time is always a getting to know you talk with a T. the T will make notes on you're reason for being there, but you should take equal notes on if the T is right for you. it can take awhile to open up to a T, it did with myself.it took till my 3rd T before i truly opened up to a T. we now know each other well in that she knows my case, and i get to know what work she has done and the kinda woman she is irl. i'm fussy i guess. T's are to me a strange relationship. i feel she knows a lot about me now after a year and a half. but i trust her.
you will be ok. and i reiterate that 'you' may not find the T suitable for you. but it does take time building a bridge that you can feel safe on. opening up is (for myself), something that took time. you're first app will be ok. the T will be there to help you, thats the oath and job of any T. the questions may be / will be based upon it being you're first app.
also all T's that i know have T's them self's.

good luck. i hoped this helped in any way.

I remember my first session. I had myself so worked up about it I had to have a friend drive me so that I wouldn't back out and she would be sure I walked through the door. I talked about my problems, isses and concerns at a high level...and he asked clarifying questions. Then he talked a little about how therapy could help and the type of therapy he did. I remember saying when I walked out....Okay so that wasn't too bad.. I remember thinking okay....he doesn't look weird or have anything distacting about him and his voice wasn't irritating....and he didn't say anything like "so what you are saying" after everthing I said....so on my part that was enough of a fit for me to continute...

It really wasn't bad at all....I hope you find it as helpful as I have.

[danii24]

I had my first session weds just gone. We just talked about my past she started it 1st by asking me:

what had brought me to councilling

Then she asked about my familiy growing up

I was lucky enough though because i knew what i was there for and we just talked about that. If i was stuck for something to say she would ask me questions. It was nerve racking to say the least but im glad i went. good luck

I just started in June, and I was visibly nervous the first time (which is probably appropriate considering anxiety is my biggest issue , not to make light of it.) but my therapist assured me that was quite normal and it wouldn't take long for me to get more comfortable (truth). He explained a little bit about what therapy is and about what we're going to do, and started asking me some questions and going right into my past and childhood.

I left feeling overwhelmed, but also relieved. I liked him right away and it just felt good knowing I have someone who is in my corner and is going to help me get through my difficulties. I am discovering that it's going to be a very emotional roller coaster process, with some weeks feeling okay and others bringing up painful stuff that stays with me and gets me in a sad place. I'm kind of going on a tangent here, but good luck to you, I hope your first visit goes well.

[WePow]

For a first session, I would clarify the rules going into things.

1) Are emails ok? If so, do you get a response?
2) What about calls in crisis?
3) What are the cancelation rules? Do you pay if you miss a session?
4) Is the therapy for a limited time only? (some Ts are time limited while others will be there until they retire).
5) Finally - may sound silly, but it is worth asking! Do you give hugs - ever? It hurts when you need one but the T is someone who never offers hugs. Or if you don't ever want a hug and T looks like they are going to touch you, that would not work either. Good to clear the air right up front.
6) How often do you take vacations? Do you have a backup T for those times?

[LacunaCoiler]

Thank you all for your wonderful responses. I'm a little less nervous about tomorrows meeting. I will also keep those questions in mind when I go tomorrow. '

Thanks again

JB