First Therapy Session | What to Expect | Hobart Therapy Preparation Guide
What happens in your first therapy session. Preparation tips, common questions answered. Reduce anxiety about starting therapy in Hobart.
Starting therapy can feel daunting, especially if you're unsure what to expect. At Hobart Therapy, your first session is designed to be comfortable, informative, and non-judgmental—a conversation where you can share your concerns and begin exploring how therapy can help. Understanding what happens in your first appointment reduces anxiety and helps you prepare to make the most of your initial consultation.
Your first therapy session is the beginning of a collaborative relationship focused on your wellbeing. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or other concerns, the initial appointment establishes the foundation for meaningful therapeutic work. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and common questions about starting therapy at Hobart Therapy.
What Happens in Your First Session
First sessions typically last 50-60 minutes and follow a structured yet flexible format designed to understand your needs and begin building the therapeutic relationship.
First 10 Minutes
Welcome and Paperwork
Brief administrative tasks including consent forms, privacy information, and confirming contact details. We'll discuss confidentiality, what it means, and the rare exceptions required by law.
Next 15-20 Minutes
Understanding What Brings You Here
You'll share what prompted you to seek therapy. This might include current difficulties, symptoms you're experiencing, specific situations causing distress, or goals you have for therapy. There's no pressure to share everything immediately.
Next 15-20 Minutes
Exploring Your History
Discussion of relevant background including past mental health experiences, significant life events, relationships, work, and general health. This helps understand context and identify patterns.
Final 10-15 Minutes
Developing a Plan
Together, we'll discuss potential approaches, set initial goals, answer your questions, and determine next steps. You'll leave with clarity about how therapy will proceed and what to expect.
You're in Control
The first session moves at your pace. You don't need to share everything immediately, and you can ask questions anytime. This is your time, and therapy is a collaborative process where your comfort matters.
Questions You Might Be Asked
First sessions involve gathering information to understand your situation. Common questions include:
- What brings you to therapy now? Understanding your current concerns and what prompted you to seek help
- How long have these difficulties been present? Determining the duration and pattern of your concerns
- Have you experienced this before? Exploring whether this is a new or recurring issue
- How are these issues affecting your daily life? Understanding impact on work, relationships, self-care, and functioning
- What have you tried so far? Learning about previous coping strategies, treatments, or support you've accessed
- Do you have support systems? Identifying relationships, community connections, and other sources of support
- What are your goals for therapy? Clarifying what you hope to achieve or change through therapeutic work
- Any current mental health treatment? Confirming medication, other therapists, or healthcare providers involved
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others? Assessing safety, which is always the first priority in therapy
These questions help develop a comprehensive understanding of your situation. You don't need to have perfect answers—just share what feels comfortable.
How to Prepare for Your First Session
Reflect on Your Concerns
Think about what you want to address in therapy. Write down key issues, symptoms, or situations if that helps organize your thoughts.
Consider Your Goals
What would you like to be different? How would you know therapy was helpful? Goals can evolve, but initial thoughts guide early sessions.
Prepare Questions
List questions about therapy, the therapeutic approach, confidentiality, or anything else you're curious about. All questions are welcome.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early to find parking at our North Hobart office, use the bathroom, and settle in before your appointment.
Be Honest About Anxiety
It's normal to feel nervous. Letting me know you're anxious about the first session helps me support you better and create a comfortable experience.
No Pressure to Share Everything
You don't need to reveal everything in the first session. Therapy is a process—trust builds over time, and you share what feels right when it feels right.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- Mental Health Care Plan: If you have a referral from your GP for Medicare rebates, bring this to your first session
- Medicare card: For claiming rebates (if applicable)
- List of current medications: Including any psychiatric medications, though this isn't essential
- Previous reports or assessments: Only if you have them and feel they're relevant—not required
- Questions you've written down: So you remember to ask everything you're wondering about
- An open mind: Willingness to explore your concerns and try new approaches
Most importantly, just bring yourself. Everything else can be sorted out as needed.
After Your First Session
Deciding to Continue
After your first appointment, take time to reflect on whether Hobart Therapy feels like the right fit. Consider whether you felt heard, whether the approach makes sense, and whether you feel comfortable working together. Not every therapist suits every client, and that's okay—finding the right fit matters more than continuing out of obligation. Learn more about choosing the right psychologist for your needs.
Booking Follow-Up Appointments
If you decide to continue, we'll schedule regular appointments. Most people start with weekly or fortnightly sessions depending on needs and availability. Consistency supports progress, though flexibility exists when life circumstances require it.
What Happens Next
Subsequent sessions build on the foundation established in your first appointment. We'll work on the concerns and goals discussed, using appropriate therapeutic approaches such as CBT, EMDR, EFT, or other methods suited to your situation. Progress is reviewed regularly to ensure therapy remains helpful.
Common Questions About First Sessions
What if I start crying?
Crying in therapy is completely normal and okay. Therapy is a space where emotions surface, and expressing feelings is part of the healing process. Tissues are always available, and there's no shame in crying.
Do I need to know what to say?
No. Many people worry about saying the "right" thing, but there's no script. Just share what's on your mind. I'll ask questions to help the conversation flow and ensure we cover important information.
Will you judge me?
Absolutely not. Therapy is a non-judgmental space. Whatever you share—thoughts, behaviors, feelings, experiences—is met with understanding and compassion. That's fundamental to the therapeutic relationship.
What if I don't click with the therapist?
Therapeutic fit matters. If after the first session (or a few sessions) you don't feel the connection, it's okay to seek a different therapist. Good therapists understand this and won't take offense. Your comfort and progress are what matter.
Can I bring someone with me?
For the first session, it's usually best to come alone so we can speak candidly. However, if you're extremely anxious, bringing someone to wait outside is fine. For couples therapy, both partners attend together.
How much does the first session cost?
First sessions follow standard session fees. If you have a Mental Health Care Plan, Medicare rebates apply to initial appointments. See our costs and Medicare information page for details.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Starting therapy is an act of courage and self-care. Your first session is simply a conversation—an opportunity to share your concerns, ask questions, and explore how therapy can support your wellbeing. Contact Hobart Therapy today to schedule your first appointment.
Book Your First SessionHobart Therapy provides professional mental health services including trauma therapy, anxiety treatment, depression counselling, and comprehensive psychotherapy. Located at 434 Elizabeth Street, North Hobart, with online therapy available throughout Tasmania.
Contact Hobart Therapy at 0449 734 441 or visit our contact page to schedule your first session. Read client testimonials and explore our FAQ page for more information. Learn more about Chris Black and the professional experience behind compassionate therapy.