What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Starting therapy can feel both hopeful and a little intimidating—you may not know what to expect. The first meeting, often called the intake session, is all about setting the foundation for our work together.

During this session, we’ll begin by talking through what brings you to therapy and what you’d like to get out of it. You’ll have the chance to share your story at your own pace—there’s no pressure to cover everything at once. I’ll ask some questions about your history, current challenges, and goals so I can better understand how to best support your journey.

We’ll also go over practical things like scheduling, confidentiality, and what the therapy process looks like. This is a time for you to ask questions, too—about me, my approach, or what therapy might feel like moving forward.

Most importantly, the intake session is about creating a safe, supportive space where you can begin to feel comfortable. Think of it as the first step in building a partnership focused on your healing and growth.