What to Expect During Your First Therapy Appointment
What to expect during your first therapy appointment in San Diego, CA
You finally decided that it’s time to take care of your mental health. You completed your search in the greater San Diego area (or California if you’re going to do online therapy), narrowed down which therapist you’d like to see, and maybe even had a phone consultation or two. Now the reality is starting to kick in…it’s time to actually have your first therapy session. What will it be like?
What can I expect from the first therapy appointment?
What are we going to talk about during the first session? What am I supposed to say? How will I know if I’m getting better in therapy?
These are all GREAT questions! I’d love to give you a sneak peek into the first therapy session so you can feel more comfortable getting started on counseling here in San Diego.
What happens between the free phone consultation and my first therapy appointment?
If you’re ready, at the end of your complimentary phone call we’ll schedule your first therapy appointment, which is referred to as the “intake” session. I utilize a secure, HIPAA-compliant, secure Client Portal where I enter your contact information and schedule your appointments. Prior to your appointment, you will receive a link in your email to complete my intake paperwork. This includes the informed consent for therapy and a couple of questionnaires to help me get to know you and your circumstances better. It’s helpful to review and complete those before our appointment so that way we can make the best use of our time. This information helps me gain a deeper understanding of what’s bringing you to therapy. Additionally, I’ll send you the address to my office and any other instructions such as where to park and how to enter the building so you can find me. Lastly, you’ll receive an appointment reminder via text, email, or voicemail (whichever you prefer) 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare for my first session?
Other than completing the initial intake paperwork that you’ll receive via email, there’s not much that you need to do to prepare for your first session. If you like, you can bring any additional questions you have and also identify any goals that you’d like to accomplish during your time in therapy.
What will we do during the first session?
As mentioned above, the first appointment is called the “intake assessment.” I’ll start by reviewing the informed consent documents and give you an opportunity to ask any questions to make sure that you’re comfortable getting started in therapy with me. It’s important to me that you feel comfortable and fully informed about your therapy, as the therapeutic process is a very unique type of relationship.
Next is the assessment phase. Assessing what’s bringing you to therapy helps me know how to approach our work together. I’ll ask questions about how the problem you’re dealing with is affecting you, and also ask about your history and background, such as what life was like growing up and your family relationships. Additionally, I’ll ask about your educational background, line of work, social relationships, faith background and the role it plays in your life (if applicable), as well as strengths and resources that may help you in our process. It may feel like I'm asking a lot of questions that feel personal, so know that you're allowed to answer only what you're comfortable sharing. However, the more you share, the better I’m able to understand you and how your life has shaped who you are and impacted you as it relates to the issues that you’re facing. This session helps me more deeply understand what's going on with you and inform my decision-making regarding how to guide the treatment.
Lastly, we’ll identify what goals you’d like to accomplish during your time in therapy, which will help to create a treatment plan that’s specifically tailored to your needs. I approach goal setting at the beginning of therapy and will revisit your goals throughout your therapy to ensure that we’re on track to meeting them. At the outset, I want to know what your goals are for yourself and what you hope to accomplish in your therapy (aka, “how do you want to feel when you’re ready to complete your time with me?”) Since this is your therapy, these are your goals (not mine). Of course, I'll offer my input and expertise to help guide you in the right direction if you're feeling stuck and unsure. I want you to think of this time as a two-way interview where not only am I getting to know you, but you’re also getting to know me and you feel fully comfortable working with me.
Do you assign homework?
I typically don’t assign “homework” to my clients. However, I like to empower you with specific skills and tools to help you cope and feel better; therefore, I may suggest that you practice various breathing or mindfulness techniques to help reduce your levels of distress, engage in journaling, or share an article, a handout, or a video that I think is particularly pertinent to your situation from time to time. If you don’t complete these “assignments” (really they’re more like recommendations than anything), don’t worry. I won’t be upset with you. Ultimately, this is your therapy, and I’m here to help you in whatever way makes sense to you. I may gently challenge, nudge, and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and try something new, but know that it’s because I only want the best for you and your growth!
Is what I share with you confidential?
As mentioned above, therapy is a special type of relationship where I’m not going to be sharing what we’re talking about each week with anyone (not even my husband). Per law, therapists aren’t allowed to discuss or disclose clients' confidential information without your prior written authorization. However, there are a few important exceptions to confidentiality that I want you to be aware of:
Therapists are required or permitted, by law, to disclose confidential information to legal authorities or appointed persons under the following circumstances:
The therapist suspects abuse to a child, dependent adult, or an elder, or are made aware of domestic abuse. These situations all require the therapist to notify law authorities immediately.
If the therapist suspects an individual has caused, or is threatening to cause severe bodily harm to another person, therapists are required to report it to the police.
If an individual intends to harm himself or herself, expressing to the therapist for example, plans for suicide. While the therapist will attempt to work through this in the therapy session, if it appears to be unresolved or the client does not cooperate, additional action may need to be taken to ensure the safety of the client.
If the therapist is working as part of a treatment team with other service professionals in a residential treatment center and is coordinating care for the purpose of your treatment.
If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for information stated on the subpoena.
A few other exceptions exists, but are rare and I don’t want to bore you at this point. If they are applicable to your therapy, it’s definitely something that I would discuss with you in a timely and appropriate manner so you can feel good about how your personal information is being disclosed.
When will you schedule my next session?
Within a week. I recommend that during the active phase of therapy we meet on a regular, weekly basis which is why I will set aside a specific day/time that’s reserved just for you and set up as a reoccurring appointment on my calendar. Studies show that clients who meet on a regular basis are more likely to experience favorable results from their therapy.
What if I’m not sure we’re a good match?
If, after our first appointment, you don’t feel comfortable continuing to meet with me, that’s perfectly okay! I want you to get the most out of your therapy and if I’m not the right therapist for you, I’m more than willing to work with you and provide you with appropriate referrals to a therapist that is best suited to meet your specific needs.
Get Support from a Chula Vista Therapist
I hope you found this blog post helpful as you begin your search for a therapist in San Diego! If you’re feeling stuck on where to start or are ready to take the next step contact me to request your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation today!
References:
Tiemens, B., Kloos, M., Spijker, J. et al. Lower versus higher frequency of sessions in starting outpatient mental health care and the risk of a chronic course; a naturalistic cohort study. BMC Psychiatry 19, 228 (2019). Retrieved from: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2214-4
