If you’ve never been to therapy before – or if it’s been a while since your last experience with a therapist – you might be wondering what actually happens during that first session. It’s normal to feel a little nervous about starting therapy, and knowing what to expect can help ease some of that anxiety.
The first session is really about getting to know each other and figuring out how I can best help you. It’s not a test you need to prepare for, and there are no wrong answers. It’s simply a conversation where we start understanding what brings you to therapy and what you’re hoping to get out of our work together.
What We’ll Discuss
During our first session, I’ll ask you about what’s bringing you to therapy right now. What’s been difficult lately? What made you decide to reach out for help at this particular time? You don’t need to have everything figured out or articulated perfectly – we’ll work through it together.
We’ll also talk about your goals for therapy. What would you like to be different in your life? What would make you feel like therapy was helpful? Some people come in with very specific goals, while others just know that something needs to change but aren’t sure exactly what. Both are completely fine.
I’ll ask some questions about your background and history – things like your family, relationships, work, and any previous experiences with therapy or mental health treatment. This helps me understand the full context of what you’re experiencing and what approaches might be most helpful for you.
We’ll also discuss practical matters like scheduling, frequency of sessions, and what to expect from the therapy process. If you have questions about how therapy works, what my approach is, or anything else, this is a great time to ask.
What You Can Expect from Me
My approach to therapy is warm, direct, and focused on helping you create real change in your life. I work with clients dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and the challenges that come with being a high-achieving professional.
I use evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and psychodynamic therapy, tailored to your specific needs and goals. Some clients benefit from structured skill-building, while others need more exploratory work to understand patterns that have been affecting them for years. We’ll figure out together what approach works best for you.
After the First Session
After our first meeting, you’ll have a better sense of whether we’re a good fit and whether therapy feels like something that can help. Not every therapist is right for every person, and it’s important that you feel comfortable with whoever you choose to work with.
If we decide to move forward, we’ll schedule regular sessions and start the actual work of therapy. The first session is just the beginning – real change happens over time as we work together consistently.
If you’re in California and ready to start therapy, contact Esther Oh Psychotherapy and Coaching today to schedule your first session. You don’t have to keep struggling alone.