What Happens in Your First Therapy Session?
What Happens in Your First Therapy Session?
By Genesis Counseling – Serving Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, and Virtual Therapy Across Florida
Starting therapy can be a big step, especially if you’ve never been before. Whether it’s for you, your child, or your whole family, that first session often brings up a mix of emotions—hope, curiosity, maybe even a little nervousness. At Genesis Counseling, we’re here to make sure your experience feels safe, welcoming, and clear from the very beginning.
So, what actually happens in your first therapy session?
Your First Therapy Session Is an Intake Appointment
Your first session at Genesis Counseling is called an intake session. This is a foundational meeting where your therapist gathers important information to better understand you, your background, and the concerns that brought you to therapy. It’s a space for you to share your story and for the therapist to begin building a framework for your care.
For children and teens, the intake may involve the parent(s) or guardian(s) at the beginning or for the full session, depending on age and concerns. Our goal is always to help both the child and family feel supported.
What to Expect During the Intake
During the intake, your therapist will guide you through a series of questions and conversations designed to help them learn more about:
- Your history: This includes family background, medical history, past therapy experiences, school or work life, and any major life events.
- Your current concerns: What led you to reach out? What symptoms, behaviors, or situations are you struggling with right now?
- Your environment: Who do you live with? What does your support system look like? How is your daily functioning?
- Your goals: What do you hope to gain from therapy?
While the intake does involve structured questions, it’s not a test. It’s a warm, respectful conversation that helps your therapist understand who you are and how they can best support you.
Building Your Treatment Plan Together
One of the most important outcomes of the first session is developing a treatment plan. This is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. Together, you’ll identify:
- Clear, realistic goals for therapy
- The approach or therapeutic method that will be used (such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy for children, or Trauma-Informed approaches)
- The expected frequency and format of sessions (in-person or virtual)
This plan is personalized to your needs and can evolve as therapy progresses. At Genesis Counseling, we believe in flexibility, collaboration, and transparency every step of the way.
You Don’t Have to Share Everything at Once
It’s completely normal if you’re not ready to share everything in your first session. Your therapist will move at a pace that feels right for you. The goal is to begin building trust and comfort so that, over time, you feel safe exploring deeper concerns.
Therapy for Children and Teens
If the client is a child or teen, the intake often includes gathering developmental history and understanding any school, behavioral, or family-related concerns. We also explain how therapy will work for the child and discuss how parents will be involved in the process. Our licensed therapists use age-appropriate tools like play therapy, art therapy, and behavioral strategies to support younger clients.
Serving the South Florida Community with Compassionate Care
Genesis Counseling proudly offers therapy across South Florida with convenient locations in:
- Coral Springs
- Boca Raton
- Delray Beach
- Pompano Beach
- Virtual therapy statewide
Our diverse team of experienced clinicians provides therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, or parenting challenges, we’re here to support you with personalized, compassionate care.
Ready to Get Started? Let’s Talk.
If you’re wondering what therapy is like or thinking about starting, your first session is a welcoming place to begin. We’ll meet you exactly where you are—no pressure, no judgment, just support.
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We’re here to help you take that first step toward healing, growth, and clarity.
By: Jennifer Bishop, LMHC
Practice Owner
