WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR FIRST THERAPY SESSION

Your first therapy session is simply a chance to talk. You don't need to prepare anything or have answers ready. Your therapist will guide things gently, help you settle in, and work with you to understand what's going on and what you'd like to change. Most people feel more at ease than expected once the conversation begins.

What happens in your first therapy session - what to expect

You don’t need a story prepared or the “right words.” This first appointment is about helping you feel understood. Most people arrive unsure of what to expect and that's completely normal.

 

Your therapist will guide the conversation gently. You set the pace. Nothing is rushed.

Common questions people have before their first session include:

  • What will we talk about?
  • do i have to open up straight away?
  • is this like a mental health assessment?
  • will it feel uncomfortable?

The session becomes more natural once you start talking. Many people describe the first therapy session as the moment things begin to make sense.

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Person sitting comfortably in a therapy room, representing a calm first therapy session environment.

Your First Therapy Session, In Safe Hands

We offer a calm, private space to talk about what’s been going on and what you’d like to change. You don’t need to have everything figured out, your therapist will guide the conversation gently and at your pace.

 

From the first session onwards, the focus is on understanding you as a whole person, not just isolated problems. We listen, ask helpful questions and work with you to explore what kind of support might help your wellbeing, whether that’s a short period of therapy or something more ongoing.

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Meet The Team

- When You Arrive or Join Online

Whether online or in person, your therapist will welcome you into the space and explain how the appointment works. You’ll have time to ask questions before discussing what’s brought you here. You lead the pace of the conversation. Nothing is expected of you straightaway.

- What You’ll Talk About

Your therapist may ask about different parts of your life to build a clear picture of your wellbeing. This could include:

 

  • How you’ve been feeling

  • What challenges you’re managing

  • Your day-to-day context (work, family, stress)

  • Sleep

  • Confidence

  • Past therapy or support

  • Medication history (if relevant)

 

You can also talk about what you’d like to improve. Big or small, it all matters. Some people feel relief when speaking openly. Others find that emotions rise to the surface. Both are completely normal and supported.

- How long does a first therapy session last?

A typical first therapy session lasts 45 to 60 minutes. This gives space to talk things through, reflect together and explore what might help next. If you continue, follow-up sessions are often slightly shorter and arranged weekly, fortnightly or at a pace that suits you.

- Do you need to prepare?

No preparation is required. Some people bring notes, questions or a medication list if they find it helpful, but it’s optional. If you come with nothing prepared at all, that’s absolutely fine. Your therapist will guide you.

- Will you feel comfortable?

Many people expect the first therapy session to feel daunting, but describe it as calm, steady and more natural than expected. There’s no script and no pressure to talk in a particular way. You decide when to speak, pause or reflect. People often describe the first session as a turning point, when things begin to feel clearer and lighter.

- After the first therapy session

Before the appointment ends, you’ll have time to ask questions and discuss next steps. Your therapist may suggest a plan based on your needs and pace. Some people continue weekly, some less often, and others return only when needed. It’s your choice.

Mental Health Support UK

The Therapy Company provide mental health services in-person in Preston, Lancashire as well as secure online appointments across the UK.

 

Mental health services provided by The Therapy Company include:

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ASD Assessments UK

Structured ASD assessments for children, young people and adults across the UK. These explore developmental history, communication, social interaction and day-to-day behaviour to build a clear understanding of autistic traits.

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Adult ADHD Assessments UK

Consultant psychiatrist-led ADHD assessments exploring lifelong patterns in attention, organisation and daily functioning to understand your symptoms clearly.

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Private Psychiatrist Online UK

Online appointments with consultant psychiatrists offering calm, structured mental health support from home.

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OTHER MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Including CBT, EMDR, counselling, medico-legal assessments and other evidence-based therapies for adults and children.

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Therapist and client talking together in a calm, private therapy setting during a first session.

Why Choose Us For Your First Therapy session?

Starting therapy is a big step, and choosing the right place matters. We offer a calm, private environment where you can talk openly and begin exploring what might help.

 

Our experienced therapists take time to understand you as a whole person, not just your symptoms. We provide both in-person and online appointments, so you can choose what feels right from the first session.

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Ready to book your first therapy session?

Your first session is a calm starting point where you can talk openly and understand what therapy might feel like for you.

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Client Testimonials

What Our Clients Say

I would like to thank the secretaries Sheila and Chris for providing a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Also, in my opinion, Dr PT Saleem is the best psychiatrist. I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

- Mariama Camara

I have suffered with PTSD flashbacks anxiety and panic attacks since a horrific road traffic accident 3 yrs ago. My life is now on the up thanks to Debbie’s help guidance and EMDR. I can’t thank this place enough for her care compassion and understanding

- Claire Lawrence-Gray

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to everyone at the therapy co. For the past couple of months I’ve been looked after by Kate. She has been professional, welcoming, calming and extremely helpful. I feel I’ve come a long way in a short time. Also the receptionist have been very helpful and I would high recommended this practice to anyone

- Tony Currie

I am very happy and thankful for Dr Ahmed for seeing my daughter and making her feel so comfortable when talking about difficulties she is experiencing. He was really professional and knowledgeable about childhood neurological disorders and he was personally very likeable. I would definitely recommend seeing Dr Ahmed and I will go back in the future if we need to!

- Donna Cosgrove

I have had only positive experiences with The Therapy Company. The staff are exceptional at what they do, incredibly caring and personable with a wealth of knowledge and skills to help individuals dealing with emotional/mental difficulties or difficult times. They respond quickly, and ensure you are seen to as soon as possible. I regularly recommend them to people seeking support and would contact them in the first instance should I ever need support in the future.

- Emma Clancy

Excellent therapist and therapy sessions. I found the flexible times for appointments and via phone or video very helpful. Was able to work through what I needed in a reasonable time with a caring therapist. Thank you!

- Kristina Babbitt

Nicole gave me the confidence to get back on the motorway and enjoy driving again.

- Lillie-mae Martin

The Therapy Company are an efficient, client centred company who have been so helpful to our family in terms of therapy provision. The staff are friendly and approachable and they offer a range of services in a very timely manner.

- Helen Evans

My son met with Dr Ram, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her down to earth approach. She was incredibly empathetic and caring. At our initial meeting she put my son at ease immediately and really took the stress out of a very stressful situation. Her warm approach and great sense of humour makes a significant difference in our experience. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate and knowledgeable psychiatric care.

- Patient mother

Wonderful and caring!

- Avril Willis

FAQ's

Frequently Asked question

Below are some of the questions people often have before their first therapy session. If yours isn’t answered here, feel free to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. And if you’re ready to book your first appointment, you can call us on 01772 440321.

Will my therapist judge me?

No. Your first therapy session is a private, supportive space where you can talk honestly. Therapists listen with empathy and curiosity, not judgement.

It’s completely okay. You can pause, breathe or take a moment at any time. Emotions are a natural part of therapy and you’ll be supported throughout.

No. You can contact The Therapy Company directly and book without a referral.

 

Yes. Online therapy appointments are available across the UK and follow the same supportive structure as in-person sessions.

Not usually. The first session focuses on understanding your experience. Diagnosis, if needed, follows a separate assessment or psychiatrist appointment.

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