Skip to content 
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session: A Guide for Beginners
Starting therapy sessions can feel overwhelming, but knowing what to expect helps create a sense of safety. A therapy appointment is the first step in addressing mental health challenges, setting therapy goals, and beginning the therapeutic journey. Whether you’re considering in-person therapy or an online therapy session, understanding the therapeutic process can ease any initial skepticism towards therapy.
Understanding the Role of Therapy
Therapy services provide a structured way to address mental health conditions and improve overall mental well-being. A licensed therapist offers evidence-based therapies to help individuals process trauma, manage difficult emotions, and build healthy boundaries. The therapy process fosters a therapeutic relationship between you and your therapist, creating a space for honest communication.
Types of Therapy Available
Choosing the right therapy modalities depends on your therapy goals and mental health history.
Individual Therapy
Also called person therapy, this approach allows for one-on-one counseling sessions with an experienced therapist. This type of therapy focuses on personal history, mental health treatment, and achieving specific outcomes in therapy.
Group Therapy
This therapy type involves multiple participants discussing mental health challenges under the guidance of a mental health professional. Group therapy helps individuals develop emotion regulation skills and a sense of trust in others.
Couples Therapy
For those struggling with interpersonal relationships, couples therapy provides a structured approach to therapy that improves communication, resolves conflicts, and strengthens emotional connections.
Family Therapy
Family therapy addresses relational issues, family history, and mental health stigma within family dynamics. This type of therapy would be beneficial for those dealing with complex family-related concerns.
Preparing for Your First Session
Setting Realistic Goals for Therapy
Before your initial visit, think about what you want from therapy. Do you need help managing intense emotions, processing trauma from childhood, or improving interpersonal relationships? Clarifying your mental health goals ensures a productive counseling experience.
Writing Down Your Thoughts
A list of topics you’d like to discuss can help make your therapy appointment more effective. Writing down thoughts related to current medications, medical history, or past therapy progress ensures you provide your potential therapist with relevant information.
What to Expect from the Therapist
Rapport Building and a Sense of Comfort
The initial visit focuses on developing a connection in therapy. An experienced therapist works to establish a sense of trust and a sense of hope.
Confidentiality and Trust
A therapist must follow a strict confidentiality policy. The only exceptions involve situations like suicidal ideation or harm to others.
What the Therapist Might Ask You
Background Information and Mental Health History
Therapists often ask about your personal history, family history, and medical record to understand your mental health care needs.
Current Concerns and Goals
Your prospective therapist may ask about specific mental health disorders, therapy stigma you’ve experienced, or past treatment modalities that worked or didn’t work.
Effective Communication During Sessions
Being Honest and Open
Honest communication with your therapist is crucial. Sharing uncomfortable emotions, past trauma, or skepticism towards therapy can help create a more effective therapy plan.
Expressing Emotions
It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during therapy sessions. Whether you feel strong emotions or need time in nature to reflect after therapy, embracing emotions is an essential part of healing.
Do’s and Don’ts for a Successful Session
Do: Actively Listen
Engage in the therapeutic experience by actively listening and participating.
Don’t: Hold Back Feelings
Suppressing emotions during actual therapy sessions can slow progress in therapy. A therapist provides a judgment-free space to explore your thoughts without fear of judgments from the therapist.
Managing Expectations
Understanding Progress Takes Time
Success in therapy does not happen overnight. Mental health treatment requires a period of time to show progress. Future visits and subsequent visits will build upon the foundation set in initial sessions.
Recognizing the Process of Therapy
Therapeutic approaches such as behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic therapy take time. Setting realistic goals for therapy ensures a positive experience.
Finding the Right Fit with a Therapist
Trust Your Instincts
If you feel a sense of trust with your therapist, you’re more likely to make progress. However, if you feel skepticism towards therapy or don’t feel comfortable, seeking an alternative therapist might be best.
Seeking Specialized Help if Needed
Tennessee Behavioral Health provides specialized therapy services for trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. If your current therapist doesn’t meet your needs, consider reaching out to our team to find an experienced therapist who aligns with your therapy goals.
What to Do If You Don’t Click with Your Therapist
Considering a Change
If you don’t feel a connection in therapy after multiple sessions, it’s okay to switch therapists. Tennessee Behavioral Health can help you find someone who aligns with your therapy progress.
Asking for Recommendations
Ask your current therapist at Tennessee Behavioral Health for referrals to experienced therapists who might be a better fit for your therapeutic journey.
Final Thoughts
Starting therapy is a step towards therapy progress, emotional healing, and improved mental well-being. Whether you choose virtual therapy or in-person therapy, embracing the therapy process with an open mind ensures a successful therapeutic experience. If you’re unsure, an initial phone consultation or 10-20 minute complimentary consultation call with a prospective therapist at Tennessee Behavioral Health can help you determine the right fit. Therapy is an ongoing journey—take a deep breath and trust the process.
FAQ's
Your initial session at Tennessee Behavioral Health is an opportunity to build a therapeutic relationship with your therapist. You will discuss your reasons for seeking therapy, personal history, and mental health goals. The therapist may ask about your family history, current concerns, and any previous mental health treatment. This session is about establishing a sense of trust and creating a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Before your therapy appointment, consider writing down your thoughts, including what you hope to achieve, any mental health challenges you’re facing, and questions for your therapist. It’s also helpful to gather relevant information, such as medical history, current medications, and past therapy experiences. Arriving with an open mind and a willingness to engage in honest communication will make your first session more productive.
Feeling comfortable with your therapist is essential for effective therapy. If, after a few sessions, you don’t feel a connection, Tennessee Behavioral Health can help match you with another experienced therapist. Therapy progress relies on trust, so it’s okay to explore different therapeutic approaches or therapists until you find the right fit.
Progress in therapy varies based on individual needs, therapy types, and the complexity of the issues being addressed. Some people notice improvements after a few sessions, while others may require long-term therapy. The key is consistency and openness to the therapy process. At Tennessee Behavioral Health, we focus on personalized treatment plans to support you throughout your therapeutic journey.
