What is a first therapy session like? Written by a therapist in Long Beach.
Your first session might differ from therapist to therapist. I will explain what a first session is like at Long Beach Therapy.
Usually your therapist will ask a question such as “What brought you here?” or “Where do you want to start?”. If you don’t know, you can ask us “I’m not sure, can you help me?”.
A lot of clients will give a history of the issue they are dealing with. For example, if someone is coming in to get help with their anxiety, they might talk about when they first experienced anxiety, how the anxiety has impacted their life over time, as well as if has changed at all (gotten worse or better), as well as what they have tried already to help the anxiety (we don’t want to waste time retrying something that hasn’t worked).
In general, we will be asking random questions, maybe even skipping around. Your therapist is trying to get a full picture and figure out what interventions might help you the most by figuring out how you think.
When your first session is over, it is important to ask yourself if you felt comfortable with your therapist (as comfortable as you can feel in a therapy session) and if you think the therapist heard you. If those things are present, then that is a good start. Don’t be afraid to shop around for therapists. Many people will see 2-3 therapists to see who they feel most comfortable with. Other people feel comfortable with the first therapist they meet with and they feel no need to “shop around”.
The last bit of information I would like to share is that it is VERY IMPORTANT that you tell the therapist if you want more or less feedback from them. If you find that they are talking a lot, TELL THEM. Maybe they are trying to give you as much information that can help you as possible. Maybe other clients have told them they are too quiet. Regardless, it is about YOU and it is important to let your therapist know if you want more or less input from them.
If you live in California and are looking for a therapist, please give us a call at Long Beach Therapy: 562-310-9741.