What to Expect at Your First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session is mostly about getting to know each other. Your psychologist will explain confidentiality and how sessions work, ask about what's brought you in, gather some background about your life and history, and talk with you about your goals. You won't be expected to have everything worked out, and you don't have to share anything you're not ready to. Most first sessions run for about 50 minutes to an hour, and many people leave feeling relieved that they've started.
Before the session
Booking and paperwork
At Satya Psychology, bookings are made through our secure online system. You'll create an account that lets you book, reschedule or cancel appointments, and you'll receive reminders by text and email. You may be asked to complete an intake form beforehand with your contact details, emergency contact, GP details and a brief outline of what you'd like help with.
Referral and Medicare
If you're claiming a Medicare rebate with a registered psychologist, you'll need a Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from your GP before your first session. Bring or send it ahead of time. If you're seeing one of our provisional psychologists or our counsellor, no referral is needed. See Medicare Mental Health Care Plans Explained for details.
What to bring or think about
You don't need to prepare, but it can help to jot down:
what's been happening and why you've decided to seek help now
any questions about therapy or your psychologist's approach
what you'd like to be different
relevant history, such as previous therapy, medications, or diagnoses
What happens in the first session
1. Confidentiality and consent
Your psychologist will explain how your information is kept confidential and the limited situations where it may need to be shared, such as a serious risk to your safety or someone else's, or a legal requirement. You'll be asked to consent to treatment. We cover this in Is What I Say in Therapy Confidential?
2. What brings you in
Your psychologist will ask about what's going on for you now: what you're noticing, how long it's been happening, and how it's affecting your life. You can share as much or as little as you like.
3. Background
To understand the bigger picture, they may ask about:
family, relationships and support
work, study and daily routine
physical health, sleep, alcohol and other substances
significant life events
previous experiences of therapy, and what did or didn't help
4. Safety
Psychologists routinely ask about thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and about safety at home. This is a standard part of good care, not an assumption about you. Being honest helps your psychologist support you.
5. Goals
You'll talk about what you'd like to get out of therapy. Goals can be specific ("I want to be able to drive on the highway again") or broad ("I want to feel more like myself"). They'll be refined over time.
6. Next steps
Toward the end, your psychologist may share some initial thoughts about what might be going on and how therapy could help, and discuss how often to meet. Many people start weekly or fortnightly, then space sessions out as things improve.
You're also welcome to ask any questions about your psychologist's approach, experience or style.
What the environment is like
In person
Sessions at The Lavarack Rooms in Nobby Beach take place in a calm, cosy room designed to help you slow down and settle.
Telehealth
For video sessions, find a private space where you won't be overheard, use headphones if possible, and check your internet connection beforehand. Some people take sessions from their car or bedroom for privacy. See Telehealth Psychology: Is Online Therapy Right for You?
Walk and Talk
If you've chosen Walk and Talk therapy, your first session is held via telehealth so your psychologist can check it's a good fit and talk through session structure, confidentiality in public places, wet weather, emergencies and consent. You'll agree on a meeting point for your first walk. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Walks follow established pathways with benches and facilities nearby.
How you might feel afterwards
Everyone's different. After a first session, people commonly feel:
relieved to have started
emotionally tired, especially after talking about difficult things
hopeful
a bit exposed or unsure
All of these are normal. Plan something gentle for afterwards if you can. If you feel the fit isn't right, that's okay to raise next time, or to try someone else. See How to Choose the Right Psychologist for You.
Common worries
"I'll cry." Many people do. Psychologists are used to it, and tissues are always nearby.
"I don't know where to start." Your psychologist will guide the conversation. "I'm not sure where to start" is a perfectly good opening.
"My problems aren't serious enough." You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many of our clients look like they're coping but feel overwhelmed, anxious or exhausted inside.
"They'll judge me." Psychologists hear about all kinds of experiences. Non-judgement is a core part of the work, and one of our values at Satya Psychology.
Practical details
Cancellations: we ask for at least 48 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less than 24 hours' notice incur a fee of 50% of the session cost, and missed appointments incur the full fee. We understand emergencies happen, so let us know as soon as you can.
Fees: see our services page for current fees and rebates.
Ready to book?
Book your first session online, or meet the team first.
If you're in crisis or feel unsafe, don't wait for an appointment: call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.