What to Expect During Your First (Individual) Therapy Session

Being curious about what to expect during your first individual therapy session is normal. But because there are so many false ideas and myths about psychotherapy, it is important to get good information.

Today we are discussing what to expect during your first therapy session, also called an intake session.

The Initial Therapy Session Lasts Longer

The first psychotherapy session in Wake Forest, North Carolina, usually lasts longer than the sessions you have every week.

For example, in my case, an intake session lasts 90 minutes, while the relief session is 15 minutes. And we do so because it really does take a long time for a therapist and a client to explore what needs to be explored and discussed during their initial session.

We do this because it takes a long time for a therapist and a client to explore and discuss what needs to be examined and addressed during their initial appointment.

Furthermore, it takes time to establish that first rapport with the client. For example, I used to perform 60-minute intake sessions, which were insufficient to cover everything that needed to be discussed. As a result, I believe that a 90-minute introductory session is ideal for getting to know each other and discussing the starting points of our work together.

The Nature of the Therapeutic Relationship

A therapeutic relationship involves an intimate interaction between a therapist and a client. This relationship, also called a therapeutic alliance, is very important because it is the basis for all successful counseling work.

The relationship between a therapist and a client is unique. It is not exactly a professional relationship like the relationship with your child's teacher or your boss because we talk about very deep and personal things.

However, it is not a social relationship because we are not friends. You pay a fee for my services. There are some boundaries and regulations that I have to follow, etc. For example, I will not acknowledge my client when I see them in public unless they acknowledge me first because I need to protect their confidentiality.

So, it is essential to understand the nature of your relationship with a counselor.

Debunking Myths about Psychotherapy

It is also important to remember that your psychotherapist will likely not make you lie down on the couch and talk about your childhood. This is not something that happens in most modern psychotherapy approaches today. It's a classic understanding of psychotherapy from the Freudian psychoanalytic modality, but it doesn't really happen much anymore. So, sitting in a chair during your first (and every other) therapy session will be just fine.

You Might Feel Uncomfortable at First

We will cover a lot of ground during the initial session of your individual therapy in Wake Forest, NC. I'm going to bombard you with questions. You may also have many questions, so we may appear to be "all over the place," but this is quite normal.

Because the first therapy sessions frequently include talking about many different subjects simultaneously, I always strive to validate my clients' feelings when they feel overwhelmed. As a result, you may be feeling nervous, which is normal.

I will probably be quieter during the first session because I try to allow my clients to tell their stories. After that, I am typically a lot more active and solution-oriented. Still, the first session or two is when I'm less active because I'm focusing on making space for the client to express their narrative.

I will also most likely inquire about your prior therapy experiences to discover what worked and what did not work for you in the past. I do this so that we may focus more on what works for you in psychotherapy and avoid doing things that you believe would not work.

Your Therapist is Not a Problem-Fixer

Another important thing I tell my clients is that I don't fix things for people. It is essential to understand that the therapist is not someone who will come up with solutions to your problems.

The job of a qualified therapist is to assist and guide the client in understanding their difficulties, developing, and growing. The therapist is also in charge of setting up a trusting environment and giving the therapeutic relationship limits and structure.

As your therapist, I will assist you in working through your feelings, manage stress, changing your behavior, and setting clear goals. However, I will not provide ready-made answers to your difficulties.

Instead, I will make you work on resolving your issues. I will give you homework and call you out if you get lazy or, for whatever reason, don't do your part.

While I understand that this approach will not work for everyone, I encourage you to listen to your intuition and inner voice and take advantage of this beautiful therapeutic relationship.

You Will Be Asked to Provide Feedback

At the end of the first session (and every other session), I typically ask my clients for their feedback because we want to do more of what is working and avoid those that make you uncomfortable.

I hope this was helpful. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment in my Wake Forest or virtual office, do not hesitate to book your free 15-minute phone consultation online by clicking here.