What To Expect In Your First Therapy Session
If you are completely new to therapy, not knowing what to expect during your first session can cause feelings of worry or stress. Let's start by addressing the fact it is completely normal to feel that way. Many people worry about what to say, whether they will become emotional, or whether therapy is right for them. I’d like to reassure you that there is no right or wrong way to begin a first session of therapy.
Before I had my first ever counselling session as a client, I felt physically sick with nerves. I was worried about being emotional. Or how I’d be perceived if I wasn’t emotional. What if I didn’t know what to say? What if I didn’t say enough and was wasting their time? What if I said too much? My mind was literally racing. It’s incredibly daunting meeting a stranger face to face or over the phone and being vulnerable. Now as a therapist, I see people experiencing these same feelings during their first session. I’m hoping this little ‘guide’ will help…
So, what should you expect??
Whether the session is online, over the phone or face-to-face, first sessions with Healing Hearts with Hannah will begin the same way for everyone. I will welcome you and properly introduce myself, confirm how you would like to be addressed, and allow you a moment to get comfortable. We will then spend around ten minutes at the beginning of the session going through our counselling agreement together.
The counselling agreement is our way of setting the foundation of the working relationship. It will outline to yourself how I work, how we will work together and manage any expectations you have of our therapeutic relationship. It will highlight aspects such as confidentiality, limits to confidentiality, boundaries, fees and sessions. As well as allowing you the opportunity to ask myself any questions regarding therapy.
Once we have finished discussing the counselling agreement and it has been signed, we can move onto your part of the session. Whilst this may seem daunting, there is no pressure for you to start talking immediately, silence is perfectly okay within the counselling room.
During our sessions together, we are working in a person-centred way, meaning you set the pace for how our sessions progress. You can talk about whatever it is that is feeling most important to you. There will be no assessment or interrogation, no expectations to tell your whole life story, you are the expert of your own experience.
Getting through that first session and taking that leap, often leaves people feeling empowered, relieved, emotional or even strange. These are all normal emotions to have.
What should I bring to sessions?
If your session is in person, bring yourself a drink of water if you like to have a drink to hand. Nothing else is required, I will have tissues to hand if you need them.
If your session is online, a private space where you can talk is essential, a drink if you need one, some tissues and headphones if you prefer.
Walk and talk sessions, make sure you bring suitable footwear, coats and hats if needed. A drink to stay hydrated and some tissues.
