First therapy session - what to expect?
Ok so I finally booked a therapy appointment after lurking on this forum for like 2 months. My first session is next Tuesday and I'm honestly kinda nervous. What should I expect? Do they just ask you questions or do you have to like... talk about your childhood and stuff right away?
For context I'm going because of burnout and feeling numb/disconnected from everything. 41M married with 2 kids.
First session is usually pretty chill honestly. They'll ask some background stuff - family history, what brought you in, what you're hoping to get out of it. You don't have to spill everything on day one. Think of it more like an interview where you're both figuring out if its a good fit.
The hardest part for me was just showing up. Everything after that was easier than I expected.
Good for you man. Took me 3 years of telling myself I'd "go next month" before I actually did it. The numbness thing is exactly what brought me in too. Turns out I was basically running on autopilot for years.
Tip: write down a few things you want to talk about beforehand. I went blank my first session and then remembered everything I wanted to say on the drive home lol
One thing nobody told me - its ok to try a few different therapists. My first one was fine but didnt really click. Second one I tried was way better. Dont give up on the whole thing if the first person isnt right.
The fact that you're going is huge. Most guys I know won't even consider it. You're already ahead of the game. Just be honest, even when it feels uncomfortable. That's literally all you have to do.