{"id":32,"date":"2026-02-16T17:32:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-16T17:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thepsych.care\/blog\/?p=32"},"modified":"2026-03-16T17:34:03","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T17:34:03","slug":"first-therapy-session-what-can-you-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thepsych.care\/blog\/first-therapy-session-what-can-you-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"Your First Therapy Session: What Can You Expect?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Patient<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

If you have decided to attend therapy or counseling<\/a> for the first time, you deserve commendation! This experience can be a big stepping stone on your path to improved mental wellness and enhanced coping skills. But if you have never been to therapy before, you might be a bit intimidated by the road ahead. What can you expect during your initial session? This blog post explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Evaluation and Consultation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Often, before your first therapy session, you will be asked to complete a psychiatric evaluation. This may involve a detailed medical history and a discussion of why you feel you need therapy. While this is not the time to do a deep dive into your current challenges, it is important that you be honest and upfront about the biggest issues that you are struggling with. This can help your care team make any necessary diagnoses and plan your next steps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focusing on the Why<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During your initial therapy session, the \u201cwhy\u201d behind your decision to seek help will likely be a major focus. Before your appointment, you can make notes about your current struggles and what you hope to accomplish through therapy. Share the most relevant information so your therapist can get started on understanding how they can help you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Asking Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should feel free to ask questions about the therapeutic process! For example, you can ask about your therapist\u2019s MATTY:<\/p>\n\n\n\n