Like anything, the first time can be the most daunting as we don't know what to expect. As you may expect, the first session of therapy can be filled with anticipation for both the therapist and the client, as each may have their own thoughts and expectations about what it will entail. 

What practitioners can expect in their first session

As a practitioner, depending on the setting you are working in, you may get little or lots of background information about your client before their first session. It's important to review any information that has been shared beforehand, but also to stay open, empathetic, and curious about what the client will bring to the session in real time.

Your client might be someone who has been to therapy before or someone who is seeking therapy for the first time. Either way, it's common for clients to feel nervous, not only about meeting someone new but also about sharing personal challenges or stories. It's part of your role as a therapist to put clients at ease. 
 

Contracting: establishing the foundation

A key element of therapy and especially a first session is contracting. Therapy can be an abstract concept to many, and contracting can be the first step to make it more concrete. Some of the common areas covered during contracting can be:

• Confidentiality
• Session duration and frequency
• Fees
• Risk management
• Therapeutic process and style
• Goals

This step gives more clarity on what to expect and helps establish clear boundaries for both the therapist and the client. It’s also a good opportunity to ask clients if they have any questions about the therapy process and to answer these as best you can. Therapists should see this as an opportunity to gain an understanding of the client's expectations, concerns, and goals for therapy. This helps manage expectations, especially if there’s a mismatch between what the client wants and what the therapist can offer.
 

Building trust and rapport

The first session is crucial for building trust and rapport. Clients may vary in how quickly they feel comfortable sharing personal information. Some might open up right away, while others may take a few sessions to feel at ease. Some may become emotional and even tearful, while others might be more narrative and descriptive in the first session. It’s important to allow space for the client to open up at their own pace.
 

Avoiding information overload

While it’s important to cover contracting and provide all relevant information, the therapist should also be careful to avoid overwhelming the client with too much information. Keep an eye on a client’s body language and pause and check in with them before diving into the more formal aspects of contracting.
 

Navigating the unexpected

First sessions are just as unknown to the therapist as they are to the client. While you can prepare for some common scenarios, unexpected situations may arise. In these moments, remember to be patient and manage the situation as you will have been taught in your training.
 

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