What should I expect my first session to be like?

Potential clients can worry about what they should bring to therapy, what they should be ready to talk about, and what to expect when starting. This blog post is to help first time clients to feel at ease when making the biggest step towards healing: the first session. 

Each provider may have a different way of conducting an initial session, but the standard is consistent. Our goal is to get to know you, and to begin building a relationship with you. This will include going over your intake form, a counselling contract, asking lots of questions about you, your relationships and supports, your coping mechanisms, therapy expectations, and of course, for you to ask us questions about us and our services. Our therapists are open, relatable, and able to answer any questions you may have about us. 

If you would like, you can bring a list of concerns, strengths, and things you would like to see happen to the first session. Water and snacks are always recommended for before and after your session (or during) as sessions can be just as physically demanding as they are emotionally and mentally. These are big steps you are taking showing up to your appointment. 

Honesty is a necessary part of therapy. We are not here to judge or tell you what to do, being honest simply allows for us to have a cohesive therapeutic relationship and find solutions that will be effective. As therapists, we have seen that clients that bring genuine honesty experience the best results.

Allow time for processing and rest after your session, find kindness for yourself as you are in moments of vulnerability. Emotions and reactions such as crying, anger, pain, laughter, silence and more are all absolutely welcome and normal to experience in sessions. We will be present in those moments with empathy right beside you. This link offers great advice on how to process and take care after your first session.