What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session in New York
What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session in New York
Written by Lily Thrope
Starting therapy can be intimidating, especially if you've never done so before. Even if you are aware it's something you want or need to do, that first session can bring up a lot of uncertainty about what the process will actually be like. If your first therapy appointment is coming up soon, here's a quick rundown of some things you can expect:
The Initial Intake: Your first therapy session is typically more of an intake and assessment. Your therapist will want some background information about what’s going on in your life, your current mental health challenges, and the goals you have for therapy. Here are a few topics you and your therapist may potentially discuss in the initial session:
Motivation for seeking therapy
Family and relationship history
Trauma experiences, stressors and/or major life events
Symptoms of mental health challenges
Providing this initial information can help your therapist acquire a real sense of who you are and what your therapeutic needs may be, prior to delving into deeper therapeutic work.
Paperwork: Apart from the intake conversation, you will most likely need to complete paperwork. This can include questionnaires about your symptoms, issues impacting your life, family and relationship status, self-care practices, and more. This information will help your therapist assess your therapeutic needs.
The intake session is also when you’ll discuss costs and billing. Be prepared with your insurance information, if you plan to use insurance. If paying out of pocket, discuss the therapist’s fees upfront. At Thrope Therapy, we operate as an out-of-network provider. At the end of each month, we provide clients with an invoice that can be submitted to insurance carriers for reimbursement.
Getting Comfortable: It is completely normal to feel uncomfortable or awkward during the first therapy session. Many people’s initial anxieties about therapy revolve around being vulnerable with a stranger. Don’t feel pressure to immediately open up and unload at your first session. As time goes on, the relationship between you and your therapist will strengthen and deepen.
Next Steps: At the end of your first session, you and your therapist will discuss next steps for treatment planning.You can ask questions and agree on a plan that addresses your goals, availability, and resources. Expect to check back in on how treatment is progressing every few sessions.
While the first therapy session is a new and unfamiliar experience that may cause initial anxiety or trepidation, knowing what to expect is helpful in the process. Seeking help when you suspect you need it is an excellent show of strength and resilience. From there, you and your therapist can establish a comfortable relationship to help you heal, explore and hopefully thrive.
If you are interested in making an appointment to speak to a mental health professional, feel free to schedule your free 15 minute consultation. Thrope Therapy is offering in-person and virtual sessions today.
