What to Expect: First Therapy Session

So you’ve decided to give therapy a try. You have no idea what to expect and are starting to second guess whether or not you want to go through with the session. Well, at Palm Beach Behavioral Health and Wellness have the best therapists in Jupiter Florida, and we are here to let you know that it will all be okay.

To help you ease your mind before your first session, we’ve come together and came up with a list of things to expect during your first session! Keep in mind that each session is personalized to cater to your needs and that this list is general and may be a little different from your session. However, the gist of the session should be the same. Now sit down, relax, and let us tell you what to expect on your first visit to a psychologist.

You’re the Boss

The first thing we want you to know is that during all of your sessions, you’re in control. You decide how much information you give, although we recommend being as open as possible with your therapist. Your therapist will ask questions. However, you will be able to share what you feel comfortable sharing.

Building a Relationship

Speaking of comfort, the first session is almost always focused on building a relationship with you! Our goal is to allow you to be as comfortable as possible, and what better way to do this than build a relationship early. We will focus on getting to know you, and you are more than welcome to get to know us as well if it will help you feel more comfortable sharing with us.

We want you to trust us fully so the conversations will flow and we can maximize your sessions with no walls to keep you from sharing information with us. The first meeting is all about you.

Expect to Do Most of the Talking

This may seem scary at first, especially if you’re visiting to discuss social anxiety, but as we mentioned, we are here for you, and understand why you to feel nervous. The first session will be us asking questions about your childhood, current life, and your struggles. We will request a lot of background information, to ensure that we can steer future conversations in the right direction.

The Cost

A lot of first timers are often concerned with the cost of their first visit, which often brings a lot of tension in the first meeting. Sessions range in price and we would be happy to disclose your visit cost prior to your arrival if you so wish, and often your insurance will cover part, if not all, of the visit. It is always an excellent idea to contact your insurance provider before the visit so that you won’t encounter any unexpected charges.

Don’t Stress the Small Stuff

Your first session isn’t Paris Fashion Week. Don’t feel the need to dress to kill. We want you to be as comfortable as possible and if that means showing up in gym clothes, then so be it. Don’t worry about coming off as perfect, as you are probably feeling raw and vulnerable and trying to project a different persona may make you stress more. It’s best not to worry and just go with the flow when it comes to your first session.

So, there you have it, what to expect during your first meeting with a therapist! If you haven’t picked your psychologist yet, we also have some tips for that so check those out! Palm Beach Behavioral Health and Wellness is Jupiter Florida’s, number one wellness center, offering solutions for anxiety, depression, autism support and so much more. Contact us today!