Starting therapy as a teen can be intimidating. Talking to a stranger about your life, especially the parts that aren’t going so well, can feel scary. However, with time, familiarity, and trust, therapy becomes a safe space for exploration and self-expression. It all starts with the first session. Here’s what teens can expect for their first therapy session after their evaluation.

Getting settled in

First sessions are mostly about learning what to expect and getting comfortable. To start, your therapist will likely review what stays private in sessions and what must be shared for safety reasons. Understanding that therapy is a private space can be the first step to feeling comfortable. 

Next, your therapist will discuss the purpose of your meeting. A brief check-in to see how you’ve been doing and your thoughts about therapy is common for the first session.

Learning about the process

Your therapist might discuss the process of therapy with you and answer any questions. They might explain what sessions will be like, which include talking about your concerns, exploring factors that can be contributing to them, and learning about ways to overcome challenges.

Getting to know each other

Jumping into personal topics with someone you just met can be intimidating, therefore, your therapist will help start the conversation to get to know each other. The goal is to build trust and help you feel more comfortable. They might suggest talking about your interests or playing a game as a way to break the ice and get to know you better.

Talking about why you’re there

Once there is some comfort, you and your therapist might start talking about the reasons why you’re there and what you hope to get out of therapy. Together, you might decide what you want to work on first. 

End of the session

At the end of the first therapy session you and your therapist might review what you did. Your therapist might give you homework, and discuss plans for next session. 

First therapy sessions can feel scary for teens, but they don’t have to be. Remember, the goal is to familiarize yourself with the process of therapy, your therapist and to create a safe space for talking about life’s challenges.

If you are a parent considering therapy for your teen, our therapists Shantal Placido, LCSW; Spencer McCauley, LCSW; and Teresa Giolitto, LMFT are here to support you with compassion, warmth and professionalism.

Please email us at spencerstherapypractice@gmail.com or click the green “Contact Us” button at the upper right hand corner of the page.

Author: Shantal Placido, LCSW