So, you've decided to see a psychologist. But between scenes from your favourite TV shows and stories from your friends, it can be hard to know what the experience will actually be like.
This article will help you understand what to expect during your first sessions with a psychologist and guide you in building the trusting relationship that’s essential to successful therapy.
How Do the First Therapy Appointments Unfold?
During your first therapy appointment, the psychologist will focus on understanding the reasons that brought you to seek help. This is referred to as the reason for consultation. You will be invited to openly discuss your concerns, your current emotional state, and the history of your difficulties. They will also gather some basic personal information, like your address and contact details. Feel free to bring a list of your medications and any relevant diagnoses, if applicable.
During this session and the ones that follow, the psychologist will also take time to get to know you better as a person. You can expect questions about your past, your daily life, and how you tend to function. In some cases, they might use assessments or questionnaires to deepen their understanding. They will probably take notes throughout the process.
Another key part of these first sessions is exploring your expectations. This helps the psychologist determine whether they’re the right person to support you, and it also sets the stage for defining therapy goals. You can prepare by asking yourself in advance: What do I hope to gain from this process?
Guided by empathy and kindness, the psychologist will take the time to welcome you, listen to you, observe your demeanour, and pay close attention to your nonverbal communication and emotional responses. This way, they will gain a better understanding of how you feel and how you typically react or behave. These insights allow them to tailor their approach to best meet your needs.
This process is called the initial assessment. It may be brief or span multiple sessions, depending on the therapist’s approach and the nature of your concerns.
Getting to Know Your Psychologist
As therapy progresses, you will also get to know your psychologist. While therapists maintain a professional and reserved stance, meaning they won’t share personal details the way you do, that doesn’t mean they’ll feel like a stranger.
Instead of learning about them through personal stories, you’ll come to understand them through their approach, attitude, and the way they interact with you.
Observing Their Approach and Asking Questions
How your psychologist interacts with you and how you feel in their presence are key factors in building a trusting therapeutic relationship. Pay attention to these elements, as they can help you feel more at ease and supported in the process.
It’s also a good idea to review the informed consent form, which outlines their experience, therapeutic approach, and how sessions are structured. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, whether at the first appointment or later on.
Building a Relationship of Trust
Over time, notice your psychologist’s listening style, facial expressions, and the way they communicate. As you progress in therapy, you may even begin to anticipate how they might respond or what they might say in certain situations.
This growing sense of familiarity helps build a relationship of trust—the foundation for meaningful change in therapy.