Starting therapy is a big deal. By the time you’ve scheduled your first session - whether you're walking into an office or logging in for a telehealth appointment - you’ve already taken some incredibly important steps. You’ve probably spent time researching, finding someone who fit your budget, had availability, filled out the paperwork, and maybe most importantly, felt like a good fit. I know how much energy that takes—because I’ve been there, too.

I go to counseling myself to make sure I’m showing up as the best version of me for my clients. I remember how nerve-wracking it can be to meet someone new, sit in a new space, and open up about the most vulnerable parts of your life. There’s a lot of new stimuli—new environment, new face, and the unknown of what will be talked about. All of that is completely valid, and I work hard to create a space that feels calm, safe, and judgment-free from the very beginning.

What to Expect

Your first session with me will be mostly me asking questions to get a clear picture of what’s going on and how I can best support you. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to say—just come as you are. This conversation helps us both start to understand what you’ve been carrying and where you want to go from here.

Toward the end of the session, we’ll talk about your goals. What would life look like if you knew things were better? What would feel lighter, freer, or more manageable? Therapy with me is collaborative—we’ll define these goals together and check in on them every few months to make sure you’re getting what you need from our work.

After the Session

It’s completely normal to feel what I call an “emotional hangover” after your first session (and sometimes others, too). Just like a physical hangover, you might feel tired, irritable, or emotionally drained. That’s not a sign something’s wrong—it’s a sign that you’ve taken a real step toward healing, and your mind and body are processing that. My recommendation? Give yourself compassion. Rest, hydrate, and know that you’re doing something courageous.

Final Thoughts

The first session is not about fixing everything—it’s about beginning. You’ve already done one of the hardest parts by showing up. From here, we walk the path together, at your pace, with your needs leading the way. You’re not alone in this, and healing doesn’t have to happen overnight—but it does start here.