What happens in your first session?

In reference to psychotherapy treatment, recently a  friend ask "how do you start?" It was then that I realized that I had never thought about how it all got started. How mindful could that be?

Now yes, there are informative ethical and legal discussions in the first meeting, but what's a person to say in their first moments of a psychotherapy session: Do I just jump in? Do I talk about my mom? Should I talk about the worst thing that's ever happened to me?

Social roles are important to nearly every single one of us, it's not out of the ordinary to be curious about the script for this very intimate and sometimes seemingly intimidating interaction. But the reality is, there is one social rule in treatment: Engage. 

So, in the first session, this is what you can expect:

A) A welcoming invitation into a safe & confidential space.

B) A review of all legal and ethical issues that might relate to your case.

C) One might be asked what led to this very meeting. Essentially, what prompted you to reach out for extra support? 

D) A discussion of your history of symptoms, past treatment, and current coping strategies is not uncommon. This should give you and your clinician insight into whether your way of coping has been effective or ineffective. 

E) You might be asked to identify the risk of not seeking treatment.

F) Next, you should expect to explore your goals for treatment. After all, most individuals expect to walk away with something after treatment. 

G) Expect you psychologist to explain their expertise and what they can offer you. Use this time to be mindful about your own needs.

H) Try to agree on a plan for treatment early. It's okay if this takes 1-2 sessions.  

I) Do not forget to reschedule a return appointment. It's not uncommon to receive special resources, and even a few referrals  if applicable. 

From there the path you choose can take a myriad of twists and turns. As long as you engage in the content, and do not expect to leave the room feeling made of rainbows and sunshine at the end of every session, I think you'll find psychotherapy treatment quite helpful no matter the order of the list above.

If there appears to multiple missing components of the aforementioned complied list in your first meeting with a new clinician, then it might be worthwhile to consider whether or not the relationship you are entering into is a good fit. Goodness of fit--future conversations regarding goodness of fit will be posted. 

How does a shepherd lead if the shepherd does not understand their own path?
​Rajasthan, India