by Katy Murphy RN

Created on: January 05, 2011

For many, the anticipation of what the first therapy session will be like is riddled with anxiety and having a little foreknowledge about what to expect can help to alleviate some of this anxiety.

The first session generally takes the form of an interview whereby you and the therapist will have the opportunity to get to know each other a little and you will both be able to ascertain whether you will be able to work together on the issues you have sought therapy for. This interview process is as important for you to decide whether you wish to pursue therapy with this therapist, as much as it is for your therapist to ascertain whether they are able to offer you suitable treatment. During this process, the therapist may take notes their future reference.

The therapist is likely to take some time to disclose relevant details regarding their background, credentials and experience, as well as explaining to you about their approach to therapy and how they work with their clients. You should be given the opportunity to ask questions about this and to clear up any concerns you may have.

At some point, the therapist will ask you about the reasons you have decided to consider therapy. The therapist will expect you to be nervous and will not expect you to go into any graphic detail regarding your inner most secrets! You will only be required to give general information about this, although the therapist may ask you some more specific questions about your situation if they deem this is necessary. Remember that you are in control and if there is any question that you would prefer not to answer, then this is your prerogative.  You should only provide information that you feel comfortable providing.

Towards the end of the first therapy session, you and your therapist will discuss what has taken place in the session and you will collaboratively come to a decision about where you go from there. The therapist will let you know whether they feel they are in a position to be your therapist – and if they feel they can help, they will expect you to decide whether you would like to make another appointment to see them.

All in all, the first session usually takes a little longer than the conventional therapy session (50 minutes) and is likely to last around 90 minutes.

Subsequent Sessions:

You and your therapist will decide how often you are going to meet and for how long each session will last (usually 50 minutes). Your therapist will also explain whether the term of therapy

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