Intro to Therapy: What to Expect in Your First Sessions

Starting therapy can feel big, but knowing what to expect helps. In the first sessions you’ll build rapport with your clinician, share your goals, and complete intake assessments. Expect questions about your history, current concerns, strengths, and daily functioning. Your therapist will explain confidentiality, session structure, and likely treatment approaches (CBT, DBT, trauma‑informed care). Come prepared with a few goals and be honest about what brought you in. It usually takes a few sessions to get comfortable and 3–6 sessions to notice meaningful shifts. If you’re unsure, ask about the therapist’s approach and how progress will be tracked.