What does the first session with a psychotherapist look like?

The hardest part is often the first phone call. Then comes the question: what will actually happen at the meeting? Below we describe it as simply as we can.

Before you come

You do not have to prepare a story or “put the problem in order” in your head. You also do not have to know whether what you are coming with is “serious enough”. It is enough that something weighs on you.

If you are being treated by a psychiatrist or have results of earlier consultations, you can bring them with you — but this is not a requirement.

At the meeting

The first session lasts 50 minutes. It starts with your story: what is happening, since when, how it affects your everyday life. You can say as much as you want — if a topic is too difficult for now, say so directly.

The therapist will ask questions: about your life situation, your relationships, your sleep, whether you have used help before. This is not an interrogation or a test — the point is to understand what you need.

It is also your time to ask questions. You can ask about the way of working, experience, how long therapy may take, the cancellation rules and the price. A good first session is a two-way conversation.

What will not happen

• You will not hear ready-made advice of the “you simply have to…” kind.
• You will not get an instant diagnosis — naming the difficulty is part of the work, and a medical diagnosis is made by a doctor.
• Nobody will judge you or push you towards a decision you are not ready for.

After the meeting

At the end you talk about what comes next. Sometimes one consultation, or a few, is enough. Sometimes the therapist will suggest regular psychotherapy, work as a couple or a group, and sometimes a consultation with a psychiatrist. If it turns out that someone else can help you better, you should hear that directly.

You also have the right to decide after the first meeting that this is not the right person for you. In psychotherapy the relationship is the working tool — if you do not feel at ease, say so or look for someone else.

Confidentiality

Everything you say is covered by professional secrecy. The exceptions are few and defined by law (for example a direct threat to life). You can ask about them at the first session.

Would you like to book a first session?

Pick a date or call: 662 888 417. If you do not know who to choose, we will help you find a specialist.