What happens in your first psychology session?

Written By Harpreet Kaur

Your first session is an opportunity for your psychologist to get to know you, understand what has brought you to therapy and your goals. More importantly it's also a chance for you to get a feel for whether your psychologist is the right fight for you and ask them any questions.

At the start of the session your psychologist will explain confidentiality and its limitations. Then they will go over general admin and housekeeping, such as: the cancellation policy, boundaries, expectations and how you contact the practice. This will also be an opportunity for you to ask any questions and clarification (it can be a bit of an information overload).

Your psychologist may then ask about:

  • Your current concerns

  • Early childhood/History

  • Coping strategies

  • Support Network

  • Medical and Mental Health history

  • Home Environment

  • Work/Education

  • Family

  • Relationships

Towards the end of the session your psychologist will ask about your goals for therapy, if you have any questions for them, and make a plan regarding ongoing appointments (remember you can always go away and have a think about it, you don't have to decide on the spot).

Harpreet Kaur