What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session in Virginia Beach
I want to start by saying that I know how nerve-wracking it can be to meet with a complete stranger for your first psychotherapy session in Virginia Beach. In a previous post, I covered how to find the right mental health professional for you. If this is your first therapy experience or it’s been a while and you want to know what to expect, this is the right post for you!
Before You Arrive
At this point, usually therapists have offered and provided a consultation for you. If you choose to work with them, they will send intake paperwork. Some therapists decide to do an intake interview in the first session, others may have you complete their questionnaire in a secure online portal before the first session so you two can really dive in to the work right away. The sooner the intake paperwork is done, the more time your therapist has to review your responses and tailor their approach to your specific needs and preferences. As part of your intake paperwork, you should receive their financial policy for review and signature. If your therapist has in their policy that they require a credit card on file, they will have you securely store your credit card information in the client portal.
If your therapist does in-person sessions, they’ll provide directions to the office and information on parking. Since I’m virtual only, I find it helpful for my clients to receive an email invite for the online meeting room (Google Meet). I also send a new client information email that outlines how to have a successful virtual session. I give all the details about how to best ensure privacy, what setting to meet from, guidance on electronics, and specific information about how Accelerated Resolution Therapy can be done virtually, and more.
The First 10 Minutes
Your therapist may decide to review paperwork with you in the first session if it wasn’t already signed electronically. They will discuss the importance of informed consent and limits to confidentiality for your state. The therapist will set the tone for future sessions and outline further what to expect. You should start to feel more at ease with clear expectations from the therapist and the paperwork combined. You also get to ask questions!
The Heart of the First Session
If your therapist prefers to do an intake interview in the first session, they will ask about your history, symptoms, and goals for life in therapy. If you have trouble coming up with goals because of a laundry list of problems, have no fear! Your therapist should be able to help you come up with more concrete goals. They may ask you “If we were to fast forward 3 months, 6 months, whatever, and therapy did exactly what you needed, what would your life look like? How could I tell that it has worked by looking from the outside?”
For me, it’s important that you and I both have a clear picture of what our goal is. This way we can check in and see if what we are doing is working and if we are moving along toward that goal. I believe that if it isn’t working, what’s the point? We will need to change something and do what will work for you.
Ending the Session
Once goals are decided, you and your therapist will decide what goal to tackle first. You two will agree on next steps, what the plan is, and what date/time to follow-up in a second session.
Common Feelings After Session One
Emily Bachardy, LCSW (she/her), Therapist in Virginia Beach, VA specializing in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Trauma and Dissociative Experiences, and Addiction. I also specialize in supporting autistics, ADHDers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
It’s completely normal to have mixed emotions after a first therapy session. You may feel no change from when you first came in, so you feel uncertain that the therapy will work. It may take some time to trust your therapist, so caution is to not surprising at all. You may feel emotionally overwhelmed, exhausted, vulnerable, or confused. If you’ve survived on your own with your symptoms, being seen by someone else can open a floodgate of emotions and make you feel more exposed than usual. Others may feel the beginnings of relief, hope, and renewed energy after having a clear goal and seeing that someone out there deeply cares and wants to help you.
Words of Encouragement Before Your First Session in Virginia Beach, VA
Starting therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown, but by showing up for that first session you’ve already taken a powerful step toward healing and growth. It’s completely normal to have mixed emotions in the beginning. Therapy is a process that has its ups and downs, but you and your therapist are still building a foundation together, one that’s rooted in trust, clarity, and hope. If you’re ready to begin your own journey, know that you don’t have to do it alone.