What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session: A Guide for Students & Young Adults

Stepping into therapy for the first time can feel like a mix of excitement and nerves, especially for students and young adults juggling the pressures of school, personal life, and future careers. Whether you're facing anxiety, depression, stress, or simply need a listening ear, understanding what to expect during your first session can really help ease those jitters and pave the way for a meaningful journey ahead.

1.Why Young Adults and Students Seek Therapy-

The transition into adulthood often brings overwhelming challenges:

• Academic Stress

• Relationship struggles

• Identity exploration

• Mental health issues like anxiety and depression

Therapy provides a confidential space to talk openly without fear of judgment.

2.Preparing Emotionally and Logistically

You don’t need to prepare anything elaborate, but a few things help:

• Take a moment to think about why you want to go to therapy.

• Note down any important thoughts or questions you have.

• If your session is virtual, make sure you are in a quiet and comfortable spot.

• Be open to sharing, but remember, there’s no rush to spill everything at once.

3.What will happen during the first session?

Your therapist’s main aim during the first session is to get to know you better. Here are some common things you can expect:

• A quick look at your personal and medical background.

• A chat about what led you to seek therapy.

• Setting goals and discussing what you hope to achieve.

• An explanation of confidentiality and the boundaries of the therapeutic relationship.

Remember, there’s no need to feel like you have to “perform” — therapy isn’t a test!

4.Common emotions you might feel-

It’s totally normal to experience a range of feelings, such as:

• Feeling nervous or a bit awkward

• Getting emotional or even teary-eyed

• Feeling relieved when someone truly listens

• Holding onto hope for positive change

Therapists are specially trained to foster a safe and supportive space where all your emotions can be expressed and welcomed.

5.Virtual Therapy: Convenient & Effective-

For students balancing school, work, and their social lives, virtual therapy provides a much-needed dose of flexibility. 

In New York, licensed therapists can legally offer teletherapy to residents throughout the state. 

This approach:

- Saves you the hassle of commuting

- Gives you the comfort of privacy at home

- Helps you stick to your appointments consistently

6.Building Trust takes Time-

It’s completely normal if you don’t feel an instant connection with your therapist during that first session. Building a therapeutic relationship takes time. You should definitely feel seen, heard, and respected, but remember, developing full trust might require a few sessions.

7.Scheduling your first Therapy Session-

For students and young adults in New York, I provide virtual sessions that you can book online with just a few clicks.

Here’s how it works:

- Pick a date and time that works for you

- Fill out a quick intake form with some basic personal details.

- Get a confirmation along with instructions on how to join the session (usually through a secure video platform).