What to Expect in Your First Talk Therapy Session and Beyond

We are starting a series to help take some of the stress out of starting therapy for the first time. Over the next few posts we will address therapy in general; therapy specific to teens; therapy specific to children; and perinatal therapy for those trying to get pregnant, while pregnant, or in the postpartum period.

First, let's talk about therapy in general for most adults. Starting talk therapy can feel like stepping into the unknown. Many adults wonder what happens during the first session and how therapy progresses over time. Understanding what to expect can ease anxiety and help you get the most from your experience. This post outlines the typical flow of initial and follow-up therapy sessions.

What Happens in the First Therapy Session

The first session sets the foundation for your therapy experience. It is designed to create a safe space where you can share your story and begin building a connection with your therapist.

Goals of the Initial Session

• Establish rapport: This is where we get to know you, and you get to know us. Your therapist will focus on making you feel comfortable and heard. This connection is essential for trust.

• Gather background information: Expect questions about your personal history, current challenges, and what brought you to therapy. We gather a lot of this information in our intake information, but it is not uncommon for us to have clarifying questions or to want to know more, in order to know you better.

• Clarify expectations: You and your therapist will discuss what therapy involves and what you hope to achieve. We want to honor your goals for being there, help to develop the best plan for you, and help you to understand realistic timelines and expectations for the process.

• Assess needs: The therapist may use questionnaires or informal assessments to understand your mental health status. Sometimes we may use questionnaires for deeper understanding, and to be able to track progress over time.

  
  

What to Prepare

You don’t need to prepare anything formal, but it helps to think about:

• What issues you want to address

• Your goals for therapy

• Any questions or concerns about the process

You can ask us about things that aren't clear to you! We want you to have understanding of the process and how the steps we are taking lead to reaching the goals you have set.

Example of an Initial Session Flow

1. Greeting and introductions

2. Therapist explains confidentiality and session structure

3. You share your reasons for seeking therapy

4. Therapist asks about your background and current situation

5. Discussion about therapy goals and next steps

   
   

This session is not about solving problems immediately but about laying the groundwork for future work.

Our therapists blend information from many resources to best fit the needs of our clients

How Therapy Progresses in Subsequent Sessions

After the first meeting, therapy moves into deeper territory. The pace depends on your comfort level and the issues you want to explore.

Building Trust Over Time

Trust grows as you and your therapist meet regularly. This trust allows you to open up about more sensitive or painful topics.

Exploring Deeper Issues

Therapy sessions often shift from surface-level concerns to underlying patterns, beliefs, and emotions. For example:

• Identifying recurring thoughts that cause distress

• Understanding how past experiences influence current behavior

• Recognizing emotional triggers and responses

  
  

Setting and Revisiting Therapeutic Goals

Goals are flexible and evolve as therapy progresses. Your therapist will help you set realistic, measurable objectives such as:

• Reducing anxiety symptoms

• Improving relationships

• Developing coping skills

  
  

Regular check-ins ensure therapy stays aligned with your needs.

One of our cozy therapy spaces

Making the Most of Your Therapy Experience

Therapy is a collaborative process. Here are some tips to help you get the most from your sessions:

• Be honest: Share your thoughts and feelings openly. This helps both us and you!

• Ask questions: If something is unclear, ask your therapist to explain. We would much rather you get your questions answered than be left wondering.

• Practice outside sessions: Use coping strategies and insights between meetings.

• Be patient: Change takes time and effort. Sometimes we wish we had the magic wand to help our clients feel better immediately. Therapy is a process. Deep and lasting change often takes time.

Finding the Right Therapist in Lee's Summit

Choosing a qualified therapist is crucial. Look for professionals who:

• Are licensed and trained therapy techniques

• Have experience working with people facing similar challenges

• Offer a welcoming, calming, and confidential space

• Communicate clearly with clients and are open to answering client questions

For more information on finding the right-fit therapist, check out our friend Marci Payne, MA, LPC, LCPC's super thorough blog series on just this!

Remember, therapy is your space to explore and grow at your own pace. We would love to help you at our Lee's Summit, Missouri office, or through telehealth for clients taking part in their sessions from Missouri.