Your First Therapy Session: What to Expect From the First Call On

Almost everyone feels nervous before a first therapy appointment, including people who are completely sure they want help. Part of the nervousness is simply not knowing what will happen. So here's the plain version, step by step, with nothing hidden.

Step one is a free 15-minute call

Before you commit to anything, you can book a free 15-minute consultation. You can call, email, or use the booking link on our website. This isn't a therapy session. It's a short, relaxed conversation where you tell us a little about what's bringing you in and what you're hoping will be different.

You don't need to have it figured out. "I've been anxious and I don't know why" is a perfectly good starting point. This is also your chance to ask practical questions: how scheduling works, what sessions cost, whether you'd meet in person or by video, and how often people usually come in.

Some people like to jot down a few notes beforehand. Others prefer to simply talk. Either works.

How we match you with a therapist

Our practice has several clinicians, each with different training and strengths. Lily, who runs our administration, and Tara, who founded the practice, work together to match you with someone. They look at what you've shared about what you're dealing with, your schedule, what you can comfortably afford, and the kind of person you'd likely feel at ease with.

Fit matters more than almost anything else in therapy. If the first match doesn't feel right after a session or two, tell us. Adjusting is a normal part of the process, and nobody takes it personally.

It helps to tell us anything that matters to you, such as wanting a therapist who works with teens, who is affirming of LGBTQ+ clients, or who has experience with trauma, grief, or a particular kind of relationship difficulty. These details aren't extras. They're how a good match gets made.

What the first 45 to 60 minutes look like

A first session with us usually runs 45 to 60 minutes. For couples it can run up to an hour and a half. Your therapist will start by explaining how sessions work and how your privacy is protected, then ask about you. Typical topics include:

• What's going on right now and what made you reach out at this point
• A little background: family, work, relationships, and anything that's been hard before
• What you've already tried, and what has or hasn't helped
• What you'd like your life to look like if things improved

You set the pace. We practice trauma-informed care, which means you are never pushed to describe something you're not ready to talk about. Many people find the first session is more of a conversation than they expected, and some leave surprised at how much lighter they feel just from saying things out loud.

Because we're the homework therapists, you may also leave with one small thing to try before the next visit. Nothing heavy. It's usually a few minutes of noticing or practice, so that the work keeps going between appointments.

Early sessions are often about learning your story as a couple: how you met, what drew you together, what has changed, and what each of you hopes for. It helps to arrive with one or two goals, even rough ones, like "argue less" or "feel closer."

Worries that are very common

Many people worry they'll cry and many worry they won't. Some worry they won't have anything to say, or that their problems aren't big enough to deserve a therapist's time. Therapists hear all of these, constantly. Crying is fine. Not crying is fine. Long silences are fine. And the idea that you need to be in a certain level of distress to ask for support isn't true.

If you've never been to therapy before, you can say that out loud. A good therapist will slow down and explain more, not less.

What happens after, and what it costs

Most people meet weekly or every other week, depending on what they're working on and what fits their schedule. Our fees vary by clinician. We're out of network with most insurance plans, though some of our therapists accept BCBS. We can provide a superbill you can submit to your plan for possible reimbursement, and we offer a sliding scale for qualifying clients. Ask about all of this on the consultation call so there are no surprises.

Give it a few sessions before you decide. Early appointments are partly about getting to know each other, and rapport often builds as you go. At the same time, trust your sense of whether you feel respected and listened to. That feeling is one of the best signs you're with the right person.

Taking the first step

Start with the free 15-minute consultation. We meet in person near downtown Roswell and by secure video anywhere in Georgia, and next-day appointments are often available. Call (770) 800-7362 and we'll find a time that works.