What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. For many people, it comes with mixed feelings — a bit of hope, a bit of worry, sometimes even a sense of “will this really help me?” If that’s where you’re at, you’re not alone. I often hear people say that the hardest part was simply making the decision to reach out.

In your first session with me, we won’t be diving straight into the deepest corners of your past unless you want to. Instead, it’s a gentle introduction. We’ll start by talking through what brings you here, what you’d like to get from therapy, and what feels most important to you right now. Think of it as a conversation, not an interrogation.

I’ll also explain how I work — my approach is supportive and grounded, but also practical. I use psychotherapy to help you understand yourself more deeply, and I also bring in my background in group work, mental health training, and psychoeducation. That means you’ll get a mix of reflection and useful tools you can start applying in your day-to-day life.

A first session is also your chance to get a feel for me — how I listen, how I respond, and whether you feel comfortable. Therapy is a partnership, and the relationship between us is central. You don’t have to have all the right words or know exactly what to say. Just showing up as you are is enough.

Finally, I offer a free 30-minute consultation call before we even get to that first session. That way you can ask questions, get a sense of whether we’re a good fit, and make sure therapy feels like the right next step for you.

Starting therapy isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about allowing yourself the space to begin.