What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session in California

1. What to Expect During Your First Therapy Session in California Taking the first step towards mental health and personal growth by scheduling a therapy session can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. If you're considering seeing a therapist in California, such as Melissa Berschauer, LMFT, it's natural to have questions about what to expect. In this article, we'll walk you through the typical first therapy session experience to help ease any anxiety and prepare you for a productive start to your therapeutic journey. Setting the Stage Choosing Your Therapist Before your first session, you'll likely have already selected a therapist in California. It's important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who specializes in your areas of concern. For instance, Melissa Berschauer offers individual counseling for adults and teens 16+, as well as couples counseling, serving clients all over California via telemedicine video conference. Preparing for the Session Most therapists in California, including those like Melissa Berschauer, offer the convenience of telemedicine sessions. Ensure you have a private, quiet space and a stable internet connection for your virtual appointment. If you're meeting in person, plan to arrive a few minutes early to fill out any necessary paperwork. The First Session Experience Initial Paperwork Your first therapy session often begins with some administrative tasks. You may be asked to fill out forms regarding your medical history, current symptoms, and insurance information. This helps your therapist understand your background and ensures proper documentation for your treatment. Meeting Your Therapist When you meet your therapist for the first time, they will likely introduce themselves and explain their approach to therapy. A skilled therapist in California, like Melissa Berschauer, will strive to create a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere to help you feel at ease. Discussing Your Reasons for Seeking Therapy

2. Your therapist will ask about what brought you to therapy. This is your opportunity to share your concerns, goals, and what you hope to achieve through counseling. Be as open and honest as you feel comfortable being – remember, therapy is a confidential and safe space. Exploring Your Background To gain a comprehensive understanding of your situation, your therapist may ask about your personal history, including your family background, relationships, work life, and any significant life events. This helps them contextualize your current challenges and tailor their approach to your unique circumstances. Setting Goals Together with your therapist, you'll begin to outline some initial goals for your therapy. These might be short-term objectives to address immediate concerns or long-term aspirations for personal growth and change. Discussing the Therapy Process Your therapist will explain how they work, including their therapeutic approach, the frequency of sessions, and what you can expect moving forward. This is a good time to ask any questions you have about the therapy process. What Makes a Good First Session Open Communication A successful first session with a therapist in California should feel like the beginning of a collaborative relationship. You should feel heard and understood, even if you don't delve deeply into all your concerns in this initial meeting. Comfort and Trust While it's normal to feel a bit nervous, you should generally feel comfortable with your therapist. Trust is crucial in therapy, and the first session is about beginning to build that trust. Clear Expectations By the end of the session, you should have a clear understanding of how therapy will proceed, including scheduling, payment, and what to expect in future sessions.