For many, the first step into the therapeutic realm is often shrouded in a veil of uncertainty and fear. The vulnerability of opening up to a stranger feels like stepping into an uncharted territory. It is a moment that triggers a spectrum of emotions as individuals grapple with the complexities of their past, present, and future, and the daunting prospect of peeling back the layers of their innermost thoughts and emotions.
While the thought of a first therapy session may seem intimidating, in reality, it is more of an introduction, a chance for therapist and client to establish rapport and begin building a foundation of trust.
In fact, the first session is merely a glimpse into the narrative of self-discovery, where individuals can choose the pace at which they want to go and contemplate what they hope the outcome of their sessions will be.
A two-way introduction
One of the important aspects of the very first therapy session is a chance for the therapist and the client to get to know each other and begin to form a rapport.
Saumya Vatsa, a Gurugram-based counselling psychologist at Maitreyee Foundation, usually spends the first session trying to gauge where the client is coming from, what their immediate concerns are and making them aware of how the sessions usually work.
“A large part of the first session may go into understanding the demographics of the client, why they’re coming for therapy, and what their presenting concerns are. From there, we sort of weave into that picture what could be certain historical references for this presenting concern, has it come up before?” she says.
Vastsa adds that she spends a large chunk of the first session to explain explain the process of therapy, specially with her. She also takes the time to ask if they have any questions, if they felt that the pace of the session was okay, and how comfortable or uncomfortable they felt in the session.
Not a job interview
While the first session of therapy may involve knowing the client’s reason to choose therapy, it is important to dispel the notion that one must lay bare the entirety of one’s inner world in a single sitting.
Srishti Saha, clinical psychologist and senior consultant, Fortis Hospital, Kolkata, says that the first therapy session, especially when one has never been for therapy, can feel quite intimidating. “Many clients, after they have become comfortable with me, confess that they could not sleep out of nervousness the previous night, in worry of what the session would be like and what they would need to say,” she says.
However, says Saha, it is important to understand that one will never be forced to discuss something that one does not want to. “First session of therapy is not like a job interview where you will be expected to answer all the questions directed at you. In therapy, you have the right to decide what you share, and how much you share,” adds Saha.
She emphasises that a therapist may gently suggest how opening up may help the process of therapy but will never coerce you into giving information.
Additionally, one does not have to worry about what to say in the first session as therapists are trained to steer the conversation in the desired direction and ensure that the client feels at ease.
The goals of the first therapy session
The primary target of the first session, says Saha, is to build a connection with your therapist and assess whether you feel safe, accepted, and comfortable in the particular therapy environment. “Building a healthy therapeutic relationship is arguably the most crucial part of the therapy process,” she says.
Additionally, “Your therapist will ensure that you are aware that the goal of therapy is to provide you with a safe, non-judgemental space to open up, and where every detail you share will be kept strictly confidential,” adds Saha.
Besides getting to know your expectations from therapy, your therapist may guide you regarding the logistical expectations from you as a client. Saha adds that this may include maintaining punctuality, respecting session durations, modality of payment, and most importantly, commitment to playing an active and collaborative role in the process of therapy.
In conclusion, the goals of the first session extend beyond unravelling the intricacies of one’s inner world. It is a mission to build a connection, ensuring the therapy environment is a safe, non-judgemental space. Therapists often stress the importance of a healthy therapeutic relationship, where trust and confidentiality form the bedrock.
As individuals navigate this introductory chapter, they find solace in knowing that therapy is a collaborative process, with the first session laying the foundation for a journey that unfolds at a pace tailored to each individual.
