Starting therapy for the first time can feel like a major leap—one filled with hope, uncertainty, and perhaps a touch of anxiety.
At City Behavioral Health, we understand how vulnerable this first step can be, which is why we strive to make your initial session supportive, collaborative, and informative. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, or general life stressors, knowing what to expect can ease the transition and set you up for a successful therapeutic journey.
Creating a Safe, Welcoming Space
Your first therapy session is less about diving straight into deep emotional work and more about building rapport and safety. The therapist’s goal is to get to know you, understand your reasons for seeking help, and begin crafting a treatment approach that aligns with your needs and goals. At City Behavioral Health, this relationship-centered philosophy is rooted in what we call relational healing—the idea that the therapeutic bond itself can serve as a model for healthier relationships in everyday life.
Intake and Information Gathering
Expect your first session to include a lot of questions—about your mental health history, current symptoms, family background, lifestyle, and significant life events. This is known as the intake process, and it helps your therapist understand both your clinical picture and your personal experience.
While it may feel like you’re being interviewed, this phase is essential. It creates the foundation for a personalized treatment plan, whether that includes individual therapy, group support, DBT, CBT, or another modality offered at CBH.
You may be asked about:
- What brought you to therapy now
- Past treatment experiences
- Medical history and medication use
- Substance use
- Family and social dynamics
- Personal strengths and areas of concern
All information you share is kept confidential, in accordance with HIPAA guidelines, unless safety concerns arise.
Establishing Goals and Expectations
Another important part of the first session is goal setting. You and your therapist will begin to outline what you hope to achieve—whether that’s managing anxiety, improving communication in your relationships, coping with trauma, or gaining greater emotional control.
These goals are not fixed; they can evolve as therapy progresses. CBH’s approach emphasizes nimble treatment planning, meaning your plan is adaptive and responsive to your growth and real-life needs.
Addressing Concerns About the Process
If you have doubts or fears about therapy, your first session is the time to bring them up. Many clients worry about being judged, “saying the wrong thing,” or not being able to open up. Therapists are trained to meet you where you are. There is no right or wrong way to begin therapy—your experience is valid and welcome just as it is.
CBH clinicians also recognize that different clients benefit from different styles of communication and support. Some sessions may be more structured (e.g., in DBT or CBT), while others may allow for open-ended reflection. The therapist may ask whether you prefer direct guidance or a more exploratory style, ensuring that the process feels aligned with your personality and comfort level.
Practical Details
Here are a few logistical things to expect:
- Length: Sessions typically last 50 minutes.
- Frequency: Most clients begin with weekly sessions, though this can vary.
- Paperwork: You’ll likely complete consent forms, HIPAA agreements, and intake questionnaires before or during your first visit.
- Fees: If you’re using out-of-network benefits, CBH can provide superbills for reimbursement. Financial policies, cancellation guidelines, and session rates will be clarified upfront.
The Emotional Experience
Many clients report feeling a mix of relief and emotional intensity after their first session. It’s normal to feel a bit drained—therapy involves reflection, vulnerability, and sometimes revisiting difficult memories. Others may feel lighter, like a burden has started to lift. Both are valid reactions.
At City Behavioral Health, we emphasize creative behavioral reinforcement, helping you translate insights into action. From the very first session, we aim to equip you with tools and skills that can enhance daily functioning and emotional regulation.
Sources:
- American Psychological Association. (2023). Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). Mental Health: What to Expect From Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.gov
