Well done for booking your 1st session! 👏 It's normal if you're feeling nervous and unsure of what to expect. Here's a rough guide to get you ready.
Things to prepare
Bring a notebook to jot down thoughts and advice from your provider, an open mind, your questions, and settle into a private space with a warm drink to feel comfortable.
Setting goals
Before your first session, we encourage you to ask yourself a few questions to identify what you'd like to achieve. As with many other aspects of your life, the more effort you put into your therapy or coaching experience, the more you’ll get out of it. These can help guide your initial conversations with your therapist or coach.
Where do you want to start?
You might have a lot of areas of interest (e.g. you want to learn mindfulness and work on your finances). Spend some time thinking about where you want to get started before your 1st session.
What is most on your mind or stressing you out?
Do you know what your goals are or do you need help figuring that out?
What do you want to get out of therapy or coaching?
What do you want your therapist or coach to be like? Do you want someone who holds you accountable, who is a cheerleader, who challenges you?
How do you want your life to look when you are done? What does success look like?
What to expect
During the 1st session, the flow typically follows this structure, though it may vary depending on your Provider:
Introduction and rapport-building
Questions about your life and experiences
Exploring how therapy or coaching can help, and the approach for future sessions
Extra tips
You don’t have to share everything in the 1st session. Go at your own pace, and your Provider will guide you
It’s ok to feel awkward. Therapy and coaching is a new experience, but with time, it gets easier
Be honest and open. This helps your Provider understand you better and provide the best support