What Happens in the First Therapy Session

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and for many people, the unknown is the hardest part. If you have never been to therapy before, you might wonder what to expect in your first session. At Authentic Living London, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible from the moment you walk through our doors or join us online. Here is what you can expect.

What to Expect During the First Therapy Session

1. A Warm Welcome

When you arrive for your first session, whether in person or virtually, your therapist will greet you and make sure you feel settled. In person, that might mean offering you a comfortable seat and a glass of water. Online, we will make sure the connection is working and you have a quiet space where you feel safe to talk.

The goal is to create a space where you can breathe, slow down, and know that you are not being judged.

2. Paperwork and Practical Details

Before your session, you will usually fill out a brief intake form. This gives your therapist important background information, such as why you are seeking therapy, your health history, and your contact details.

We will also review:

• Confidentiality: what it means and the rare exceptions where information must be shared for safety reasons

• Session length and frequency: most sessions are 50 minutes

• Fees and payment: we will confirm how payment works and provide receipts for insurance purposes

This part is quick and helps set the foundation for our work together.

3. Talking About Why You Are Here

Your therapist will invite you to share what brought you in. You do not need to have the perfect words, as many people are not sure exactly where to start. You can talk about:

• A specific challenge you are facing, such as grief, anxiety, relationship issues, or burnout

• Feelings you want to understand better

• Life events that have been hard to process

• Goals you would like to work toward

It is okay if you feel nervous or emotional. Your therapist is there to listen without judgment and help you put your thoughts into words.

4. Understanding Your Story

In the first session, your therapist will ask questions to get a fuller picture of your experiences. This might include:

• Your personal and family background

• Major life changes or losses

• Your support system

• Past therapy experiences

• What has been helping and what has not

These questions help your therapist understand your world so they can tailor the therapy to you instead of giving you a one-size-fits-all approach.

5. Setting Goals Together

Toward the end of your first session, you and your therapist will start to outline what you would like to work on. These goals can be very specific, such as “I want to feel less anxious about work,” or broader, such as “I want to understand myself better.”

Your therapist might also share how they think therapy could help and what approaches they might use. This is a collaborative process. You are not told what to do. You are invited into a conversation about what could support your growth and healing.

6. Leaving with a Sense of Next Steps

You might not leave your first session with all the answers, but you will leave with:

• A better understanding of how therapy works

• A clearer picture of what you would like to work on

• The reassurance that you have someone in your corner

Many people feel a sense of relief after the first session simply because they have started the process of getting support.

Starting Therapy at Authentic Living London

At Authentic Living London, we believe the first session is about more than collecting information. It is about connection. Whether you are coming in for grief counseling, support for anxiety, help with relationship issues, or any other challenge, we meet you with compassion, curiosity, and care.

We offer both in-person and virtual sessions so you can choose what feels best for you. Our therapists bring specialized training and lived experience to the table, creating a space where you can feel understood and supported.

Your first session is the first step toward feeling more grounded, understood, and empowered in your life. If you are ready to begin, we are here to walk alongside you.

Book your first session today and start the journey toward an authentic life.

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