The First Session
What to Expect When You Arrive
Walking into your first therapy session can feel uncomfortable. Whether it's your first time meeting your new therapist or your first time ever trying therapy, it's common to experience some nerves when you're not sure what to expect. As a new therapy client, you might be wondering:
Where am I supposed to sit? Will my therapist start talking first or just stare at me until I say something? What if I have to pee in the middle of the session? Can I bring my coffee in with me? What if I cry?
So, I want to share some information with you about what to expect at your first therapy session that will hopefully put your mind at ease.
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When you first walk in...
The building entrance off the parking lot is kept locked so I'll usually come to greet you at the door. If I'm busy with a client, either someone else in the studio will let you in (*they won't ask your name to respect your privacy) or I'll come get you as soon as I'm free. There are chairs at the entrance or a chair just outside my office for you to sit and wait, but it shouldn't be long.
Please take off your shoes.
Shoes can be left at the front entrance and there's a basket of slippers available just outside my office door for you. My hope is that being able to take off your shoes and put your feet up for an hour will create a more comfortable, relaxed environment.
If you need to use the washroom...
There are two bathrooms on either side of the entrance available for you to use before, during or after your session. When you gotta go, you gotta go!
Head back to my office.
For our first meeting I'll come up to get you so we can walk back together. My office is straight down the hall at the back of the studio past the tall plant---you'll be able to see it from the front entrance.
If you need a drink...
You're welcome to bring your own drink in with you. Having a drink on hand during your session can be comforting, a chance to pause and reflect, or just keep you hydrated. I'll also have some water glasses available if you need them.
Let's get started...
Don't worry -- you won't be put on the spot today. Once you've settled in and had a chance to take in the space, I'll check in with you to see how you're feeling. If you have any questions or requests for me, now is a great time to share them. I'll guide us through the next hour by explaining the typical flow of the first session and how we'll navigate it together.
If you need to cry...
There are two tissue boxes within your reach to the left and the right. Crying is a normal, expected, and even helpful part of the process in therapy. Some tears might be a natural expression of emotions related to a heavy topic, while others might be a surprising release of emotions we didn't realize we're there. I'm prepared to sit with you through the tears and help to make sense of what brought them on when you're ready.