What should I expect at my first appointment with a therapist?

Often, the first appointment with a therapist will come after a phone call or intake paperwork is completed that covers basic questions about why you’re seeking therapy and other pertinent information. There may be some questionnaires as well to give the therapist a better picture of what’s going on. When you enter my office for a session, I would start by explaining a few logistical aspects of therapy that I feel is important for a potential client to know. Some examples are listed below:

1. HIPAA and confidentiality in therapy; meaning unless the client gives me signed permission, I cannot communicate with anybody about any identifying information about this client. The only exception to this rule would be if I feel you or another individual is in immediate danger.

2. As much as the first session is an assessment, you (the client) must believe and feel that this can be a beneficial relationship for them. As much as I am asking you questions about you and your life, you are also interviewing me to be your therapist.

Then I would proceed to the assessment, which is an extensive series of questions that inquire about all areas of the client’s life. While the assessment is personal, we do not go too deeply into everything because of the large number of topics that need to be discussed to really identify what areas in life are causing these issues for the individual. Examples of topics discussed are listed below:

- Mental health history/current mental health

- Physical health history/current physical health

- Strengths

- Expectations for therapy and client’s goals

- Hobbies/passions

- Family

- Work/School

- Social life

- Spiritual/religious views

- Substance use/other addictions

- Exercise

- Eating/sleeping habits

The goal of the assessment is to gather information and give the therapist an idea of what the individualized treatment plan will look like for you, as well as give an opportunity for the therapist and client to initiate and develop their relationship.