Starting therapy is one of the bravest things you can do. And yet, so many people delay that first appointment because they’re not sure what to expect. Will it be awkward? Will I have to cry? What if I don’t know what to say?
Let me walk you through what a first session at Belle Âme Psychotherapy typically looks like, so you can walk into this feeling a little less anxiety and a little more grounded.
Before You Even Walk In
Before our first session, you’ll receive a “welcome package” by email, with a couple of consent forms and an intake form to complete. This gives me a bit of background on what’s bringing you to therapy, your current situation, and any relevant history. No pressure at all, it’s not a test, just a starting point.
The First 10 Minutes
We’ll start by getting settled. I’ll review some important clinic policies with you, including confidentiality (what’s kept private, and the rare exceptions required by law), our cancellation policy, and payment information. There will be space for any questions that might have come up at this point, because I want you to feel as much clarity and safety as possible before we dive into anything more personal.
Getting to Know Each Other
Most of the first session is really just a longer, cozy conversation. I’ll ask about what’s brought you to therapy, what’s been going on in your life, and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together. You can share as much or as little as feels right.
I might ask about your history, relationships, and what you’ve tried before. I’ll also explain how I work and give you space to ask any questions you have about the process.
It’s Okay Not to Have It All Figured Out
One of the most common concerns I hear is: “I don’t even know where to start.” That’s completely okay. You don’t need to arrive with a clear agenda or a list of things to work on. Sometimes the first session is simply about saying out loud what you’ve been carrying, feeling seen & heard, and leaving with a small sense of where we might be headed next together.
After the Session
It’s normal to feel emotionally tired after a first session. You’ve shared things that matter, possibly things you don’t usually talk about. Give yourself some gentleness afterward, like a quiet evening, some time in nature, or a warm cup of tea.
If the session felt right, we’ll book a follow-up. If you’re not sure, that’s okay too, you can take a few days to reflect, and reach out if you have questions.
The most important thing to know: there’s no right way to do therapy. There’s only your way, and I’m here to walk alongside you as you find it.