Starting therapy can feel daunting. Here's what actually happens.
One of the most common things I hear from people who are considering therapy is: I don't know what to expect. And that uncertainty can be enough to stop them from starting.
So here's what actually happens — at least in the way I work.
The first session
The first session is not about diving straight into your deepest difficulties. It's a conversation. I want to understand what's brought you here, what you're hoping for, and a bit about your life and history. You don't need to have it all figured out before you arrive — you don't need to know the 'right' answers to anything.
I'll also explain how I work, answer any questions you have, and we'll begin to get a sense of whether this feels like a good fit.
What therapy should feel like
Good therapy should feel safe, but it shouldn't always feel comfortable. Sitting with difficult things is part of the work. But you should feel heard, respected, and like your therapist is genuinely interested in you — not following a script.
Therapy, in my view, should always be a genuine partnership. I bring clinical knowledge and tools; you bring expertise in your own life. Neither of us can do the work without the other.
What to do if it doesn't feel right
The therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant predictors of outcome in therapy. If something feels off — if you don't feel heard, if the approach doesn't suit you, if the fit simply isn't right — it's worth saying so, or finding someone else. This isn't failure. It's good judgement.
You deserve to work with someone who feels right for you.
I offer a free 20-minute initial conversation before we begin any work together. nataliemccandless.com