The first session is always just to get to know you :) Nothing to be nervous about, your therapist will be there for you

17

Just because you go to the session and talk about things doesn’t mean you have to stay with that therapist. They’re there to see if they can help you but you’re there to see if they can help you too. If either of you think it’s not the right fit you hold all the power to decide not to go back to them. As for what to bring: fidgets, water, snacks, wear comfy clothes…Nything to help ease any discomfort you may experience during the session.

6

I always bring my favorite jacket and fiddle with the cuffs and string. It helps me think especially because it’s been there through some ROUGH times

6

just bring whatever will make you comfy, like a comfy sweatshirt! you don’t need to worry about looking presentable, and make sure you have something to drink because talking for an hour can make your throat very dry. don’t be afraid to ask questions and be honest about what is difficult/scary for you

5

i like to bring smth that'll help me stay calm (that can be a stress ball, needoh, smth to draw with/on, stuffed animal, smth to snack on, etc)

3

Therapist here, if it’s the very first time ever stepping in they will do what can seem like a lengthy evaluation. Asking you the purpose of coming, family history, trauma history, past and current triggers. As others said do be comfy and take snacks as they may not have some for you and initial meeting can be at least 2 hours. If you’ve already had the eval and are doing a first session just know you can take it easy and don’t have to dive into things deeply you can be vague until you open up

3

Good luck and remember not all therapists are one size fits all, sometimes it takes a couple to find the right fit. 💗

1