The first session is about building rapport and getting to know one another. It's important to feel comfortable with your therapist. After all, this is someone you will be sharing your thoughts, feelings, and possibly some intimate parts of your life with. You want to make sure there is a trusting relationship between you and your therapist.
During the first session, your therapist may complete a bio-psychosocial assessment to collect information such as your family history, interpersonal relationships, past drug abuse, trauma, etc. They will also discuss the struggles that have occurred in your life that led you to seek therapy as well as assist you in setting goals for what you would like to work on during the therapy process.
A misconception that I also want to address is that many clients believe that they're going to walk out of the first therapy session with all of their problems solved. This is not realistic. The therapeutic process takes time so please don't feel discouraged if you leave the first session without feeling "fixed" (also, I hate the word "fixed" but so many people insist on using it! Especially families of loved ones who are in treatment. You're not a vehicle that's going into the mechanic to get "fixed" lol). You need to invest in yourself. You're worth it! So take the time to heal and to process your thoughts and feelings.
Also, most (if not all) clients are nervous or anxious during their first time in therapy. This is to be expected and it is completely normal. For me personally, I have heard and seen almost everything, so even though you may be nervous, therapists are non-judgemental, so hopefully those nerves go away quickly! =)
Please let me know if there is any other information you would like me to post regarding the initial therapy session or any other questions you may have that you would like answered in my blog!
Peace, Love, and Joy
- Tara