What happens in your first therapy session?

Starting therapy can feel like a big step.

Many people tell me they feel nervous before their first appointment. They wonder:

• What do I say?
• Will it be awkward?
• What if I cry?
• What if I don’t know what to say?
• What will she think of me?

If that’s you — you’re not alone. It’s completely normal to feel unsure.

Let me walk you through what typically happens when you come in for your first session with me.

First, We Slow Things Down

There’s no pressure to “perform” or explain everything perfectly.

The first session is about getting to know you — at a pace that feels manageable.

You don’t need a polished story. You can simply start with:

“I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately.”

That’s enough.

We Talk About What’s Been Going On

I’ll gently ask about:

• What’s brought you in now
• How long things have felt this way
• How it’s affecting your daily life (work, relationships, sleep, food, mood)
• What you’ve already tried

If you’re coming in for anxiety, eating concerns, workplace stress, trauma, or adjusting to motherhood, we’ll explore those experiences in a way that feels contained and supportive.

You are always in control of how much you share.

We Clarify What You Want Help With

You don’t need fully formed goals — but it helps to understand what you’d like to feel differently.

Maybe you want:

• Less overthinking
• More confidence at work
• A calmer relationship with food
• To stop feeling constantly on edge
• To feel more like yourself again
  

We’ll begin shaping a direction together.

I’ll Explain How I Work

Therapy isn’t just talking endlessly.

I’ll outline how we might approach things — whether that’s:

• Understanding patterns that keep you stuck
• Learning tools to regulate your nervous system
• Reducing self-criticism
• Building boundaries
• Working through past experiences safely
  

You’ll have space to ask questions.

What It’s Not

It’s not:

• An interrogation
• A test
• A place where you’re judged
• A space where you’re pushed to disclose trauma before you’re ready
  

The first session is about building safety and clarity.

What If I Get Emotional?

That’s completely okay.

Crying in therapy is common. So is feeling unsure. So is laughing nervously. All of it is welcome.

What Happens Next?

At the end of the session, we’ll talk about:

• Whether it feels like a good fit
• What next steps might look like
• How often we might meet

You are never locked in. Therapy works best when it feels collaborative.

A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy. You don’t need to have the “right words.”You don’t need to wait until things get worse.

If you’re in Brisbane (Alderley or surrounding areas) or looking for telehealth support, and you’re wondering whether starting therapy might help, you’re welcome to reach out.

The first session is simply a conversation. One small step toward feeling more supported.

And you don’t have to take it alone.