What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Starting therapy is a big step toward improving your mental well-being, but if it’s your first time, you might feel nervous, unsure, or even a little overwhelmed about what to expect.

At Clear Mind London, I understand that taking this first step can be daunting. I believe that the best therapy comes from a great relationship and this can take time. In your first session I am still a stranger to you so I won’t expect you to divulge your deepest darkest secrets, although if you feel like you would like to, then by all means please do.

What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session

Why the First Session Matters

Your first therapy session is an opportunity to:

• Get to know me and my approach

• Share what brought you to therapy at your own pace

• Ask any questions you have about the process

• Begin setting goals for what you’d like to achieve

This session is all about making you feel safe, heard, and supported. There’s no pressure to share everything right away—I will guide the conversation at a pace that feels right for you.

What Happens in a First Therapy Session?

• Confidentiality

- I will begin by explaining confidentiality and how your information is kept private and what may happen in an emergency situation.

• Getting to know you

- What made you decide to seek therapy now?

- Are there specific challenges you’d like support with?

- Have you been through therapy before?

There’s no right or wrong way to answer. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with.

• Exploring Your Background & Life Experiences

I believe that the experiences we have had in our lives bring us to where we are today, so it is useful to understand where you have come from and what life has looked like for you so far.

- Life history, family, and relationships

- Mental health background and past experiences

- Hopes and goals for therapy

If any topic feels too difficult to talk about just let me know and we can take it slowly, remember we are building a relationship and that takes time.

• Agreeing how to move forward

- I will check in with you about how you are feeling

- Discuss if we would like to move forward working together and what that will look like, agreeing on how often we will meet.

Therapy is a collaborative process—I am there to support you and your personal journey.

How to Prepare for Your First Therapy Session

If you’re feeling unsure about what to expect, here are some simple tips to help you prepare:

Reflect on what you’d like to talk about – You don’t need to have everything figured out, but jotting down a few thoughts can help.

Keep an open mind – Therapy is a process, and it may take time to feel fully comfortable.

Give yourself time before and after – Try not to schedule anything stressful right before or after your session.

Remember, there’s no pressure – You don’t have to share everything at once. Therapy unfolds at your own pace.

Leaving Your First Session Feeling Supported

By the end of your first session, you should feel a sense of relief and reassurance, knowing that you’re in a safe and supportive space. You might not have all the answers yet, but you’ve taken the most important first step—seeking help.

If you have any questions or want to book your first session, reach out today.

Your journey starts here. Let’s take that first step together.

Thank You for Reading: What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session