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What to Expect at Your First Therapy Appointment

Byhopetherapysf

Deciding to start therapy is a big step, and it’s normal to feel nervous about it. Many people put off reaching out simply because they don’t know what to expect. Knowing what happens ahead of time can make that first appointment feel a lot less intimidating.

Before your first session

Reaching out

At Hope Therapy, you can call, text, or email us. You don’t need to know exactly what you need. Just share a little about what’s going on, and our team will help match you with a therapist whose experience fits your situation.

Insurance and paperwork

Before your first appointment, you’ll usually fill out some intake forms online. These cover basics like contact information, insurance, and what brings you in. It’s also a good time to check your insurance benefits or ask us about self-pay rates.

In person or online

You can choose to meet at our Spanish Fork or Orem office, or online from home. If you meet online, find a private, quiet spot where you can talk freely.

During your first session

The first session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your therapist will likely:

  • Explain confidentiality and how therapy works
  • Ask what brought you in and what you’d like to be different
  • Ask about your background, relationships, health, and what’s helped in the past
  • Start talking with you about goals and what therapy might look like

You don’t have to share everything at once. You’re in charge of what you talk about and how fast. It’s also completely fine to say, “I’m not ready to talk about that yet.”

Questions you can ask your therapist

Therapy is a relationship, and you’re allowed to interview your therapist too. Some good questions:

  • What experience do you have with what I’m going through?
  • What approaches do you use, and what might sessions look like?
  • How often should we meet, and how will we know it’s helping?

How to know if it’s a good fit

Research consistently shows that the relationship between you and your therapist is one of the biggest factors in whether therapy helps. After a session or two, ask yourself: Do I feel heard? Do I feel respected? Do I feel at least a little hopeful?

It’s normal for therapy to feel uncomfortable at times, but you should feel safe. If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, let us know. We’re happy to help you find another therapist on our team, and it won’t hurt anyone’s feelings.

Ready to take the first step?

Call or text us at 801-515-2282 or send us a message, and we’ll help you find the right therapist. You can also browse all of our counseling services.

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