Starting therapy can feel overwhelming — especially if you’ve never worked with a therapist before. Many people worry about what to say, how to prepare, or whether they’ll feel comfortable opening up. The good news is that your first therapy session is simply a conversation.
At Forensic Insight Group, our licensed clinicians create a warm, supportive space where you can talk openly and begin the process of understanding what you need. Here’s what you can expect during your first session.
1. A Comfortable, No-Pressure Conversation
Your first session is all about getting to know you. You won’t be expected to share everything at once. Your therapist may ask questions like:
What brings you to therapy?
What has life been like for you recently?
What goals would you like to work on?
There’s no “right” way to answer — the goal is simply to understand your needs and help you feel supported.
2. Discussing Your History
To understand the full picture, your therapist may ask about:
Past or current mental health symptoms
Family or relationship dynamics
Work or school stressors
Medical or medication history
Any previous therapy experiences
This part helps your therapist begin to understand patterns, strengths, and areas where support is needed.
3. Understanding Your Goals
Therapy is most effective when it’s collaborative. You and your therapist will discuss:
What you want to work on
What progress looks like to you
What you hope to gain from therapy
These early goals can always change over time — therapy grows with you.
4. Explaining the Therapy Process
Your therapist will discuss how sessions typically work, including:
The type of therapy they use (such as CBT, DBT, or person-centered approaches)
How often you’ll meet
What you can expect between sessions
Confidentiality and its limits
This helps you understand what the therapeutic relationship will look like moving forward.
5. Asking Questions Is Always Welcome
Therapy is a partnership, and your comfort matters. Feel free to ask things like:
“How do you structure sessions?”
“What experience do you have working with what I’m dealing with?”
“How long do people usually stay in therapy?”
There are no bad questions — your therapist wants you to feel empowered and informed.
6. You Don’t Need to Prepare Perfectly
Many people believe they should show up with a detailed list of everything they want to talk about. But truly — you can just show up as you are.
If anything feels uncomfortable or confusing, your therapist will guide the conversation with compassion.
The First Step Is Often the Hardest — But It’s Worth It
Therapy is a space where you can heal, grow, and understand yourself more deeply. Taking that first step is an act of courage and self-care.
If you’re ready to begin, Forensic Insight Group offers both in-person and telehealth sessions across Massachusetts. Our clinicians are here to help you feel supported every step of the way.