The goal of our first session is mainly to see if working together feels like a good fit. Typically, that will look like a conversation about your background and experiences. I usually ask more questions in the first session than the rest. The main things I will focus on include: (1) Understanding Your Needs - We'll discuss your reasons for seeking therapy and what you hope to achieve. I'll ask you questions about your history, current challenges, and coping mechanisms. This information will help me understand your unique needs and tailor our sessions accordingly, (2) Creating a Treatment Plan - Based on our discussion, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that outlines our goals and the strategies we'll use to achieve them, and (3) Building Rapport - trust and comfort take time and effort from both you and your therapist. By being open and honest, actively participating in the therapeutic process, and trusting in the relationship, you can create a strong foundation for healing and growth. Feel free to ask any questions you may have about the therapeutic process, my approach, or anything else that comes to mind.
Remember, this is YOUR therapy and the first session is a collaborative effort. I'm here to listen, understand, and support you.