What to expect in your first therapy session

Starting therapy can feel scary. Here's a step-by-step guide so you can feel more prepared and less nervous.

BEFORE YOUR FIRST SESSION, YOU MIGHT FEEL

Anxiety & nerves: worrying about what to say, feeling judged or fearing you might do it "wrong" is very common.

Skepticism or Doubt: wondering if therapy will actually help or if you're "sick enough" to be there.

Awkward: sharing intimate details with a total stranger can feel strange and stiff at first.

Hope or Relief: "Finally, I'm doing something about this" or a sense of optimism.

ALL OF THIS IS NORMAL.

HOW TO PREPARE

IDENTIFY YOUR WHY---THINK ABOUT WHAT'S BEEN BOTHERING YOU

WRITE DOWN NOTES--CURRENT STRESSORS, REPEATING PATTERNS, ETC

COMPLETE PAPERWORK DISCUSSED DURING THE INITIAL CONSULTATION CALL

TEST YOUR CAMERA, MIC & INTERNET CONNECTION AND PICK A PRIVATE, QUIET SPACE.

WRITE DOWN ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE FOR DARADY

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO HAPPEN IN THE FIRST SESSION?

1. INTRODUCTION & EXPLANATION

Darady will explain how sessions work---confidentiality, structure, and comfort.

2. WHY YOU'RE HERE

You will be asked what brings you to therapy at this time and what you're hoping to change. More details will be gathered than what was already discussed during your initial consultation call.

3. BACKGROUND QUESTIONS

History: mental health, family, relationships, work, lifestyle, etc.

4. SETTING INITIAL GOALS & DISCUSSING TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Discussion about setting clear goals and how you would ideally like to handle the situation again or what behaviors you would like to see different in the future. Treatment recommendations will be offered and why the recommendations are suitable for you.

5. QUESTIONS FROM YOU

Ask about the process, how they work, or anything you're unsure about.

WHAT THERAPY DOES NOT LOOK LIKE

Being told what to do. Therapy is collaborative, not a directive.

Not a quick fix. Real healing takes time & effort. It's not a magical solution that erases problems overnight.

Not an interrogation. Your sessions are a safe, guided conversation not a test, not judgmental or critical

Not just venting--good therapy moves beyond just talking about your day to build real-life tools & self-awareness

Therapy and healing is not one-size fits all.

COMMON FEELINGS AFTER THE SESSION

VULNERABILITY HANGOVER--FEELING DRAINED, EXPOSED, OR SECOND GUESSING "DID I SHARE TOO MUCH?"

PHYSICAL EXHAUSTION: MENTAL PROCESSING TAKES A REAL PHYSICAL TOLL, LEAVING YOU TIRED.

ANTI-CLIMACTIC: FEELING UNDERWHELMED BECAUSE THE 1ST SESSION IS MORE STRUCTURED WITH PAPERWORK, HISTORY AND INTROS RATHER THAN A BIG BREAKTHROUGH.

REMEMBER SELF-CARE!

COMMON FEARS (AND THE TRUTH)

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO SAY?

Darady is highly trained to guide you and will ask the questions. You know your experiences best so don't hesitate to correct Darady, share additional info or give your honest feedback.

WHAT IF I CRY?

Crying is normal and healthy. Crying releases oxytocin and endogenous opioids, also known as endorphins. These feel-good chemicals help ease both physical and emotional pain.

WHAT IF I FEEL JUDGED?

Darady provides non-judgmental support with an anti-oppressive lens. You can talk about thoughts you’ve never said out loud. You can admit things you’re not proud of. You can say “I don’t know” without pressure. Therapy is one of the few places where you don’t have to edit yourself to be acceptable.

THERAPY EXPECTATIONS VS ACTUAL THERAPY

EXPECTATIONS

Constant big breakthroughs

"...and how does that make you feel?" over and over

A lot of crying

Getting advice

REALITY

~Slowly building trust and a solid therapeutic relationship.

~Unpacking things you haven't addressed before.

~Working together to find your own answers & solutions.

~Sometimes crying. Sometimes laughing. Sometimes neither.

~Gaining new perspective.

~Getting (gently) called out by your therapist.

~Pushing through occasional discomfort or frustration.

~Understanding yourself better & noticing patterns between sessions.

~Slow progress with occasional big leaps.

Therapy with Darady Where healing begins and growth continues...