First Therapy Session | What to Expect at Hobart Therapy
What happens in your first therapy session. Help to prepare and common questions answered.Â
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 a conversation where you can share your concerns and begin exploring how therapy can help. Understanding what happens in your first appointment hopefully reduces anxiety and helps you prepare to make the most of your work.
Your first therapy session is the beginning of a collaborative relationship focused on your longterm wellbeing. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, or other concerns, the initial appointment establishes the foundation for our therapeutic work. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and common questions about starting therapy at Hobart Therapy. BUT - this guide might not answer all of your questions - so just get in touch if you have any issues or questions - we're happy to help and guide.
What Happens in Your First Session
All sessions last 50 minutes and follow a flexible format designed to understand your needs and begin building the therapeutic relationship. These sessions are YOUR sessions. We'll always work them in a way that suits your needs.
Welcome and Paperwork
We'll probably undertake any administrative tasks we need to do. We'll likely discuss confidentialitybut this is also covered in the introductory information you should have been sent.
Understanding What Brings You Here
We'll probably talk about 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.
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.
Developing a Plan
Together, we'll discuss potential approaches, set initial goals, answer your questions, and determine next steps. You'll leave with a good idea about how therapy will proceed, what to expect and when your next appointment might be.
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. And we'll guide the session to help too.
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
- List of current medications if you have any: This is focused on 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
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Most importantly, just bring yourself. Everything else can be sorted out as needed.
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.
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 10 appointments. See our fees 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.
Get in TouchHobart Therapy provides professional mental health services check out the homepage for more details. Located in Sandy Bay, with therapy available throughout Tasmania.
Contact Hobart Therapy at 0449 734 441 or visit our contact page to schedule your first session.