What to Expect in Your First Counseling Session: An Honest Guide from a Christian Therapist in Bradenton

Written By Lauren Ramsey

If you’ve never been to therapy before, you might be wondering what actually happens in the first session. You are certainly not alone! Starting counseling takes courage, and knowing what to expect can ease some of the uncertainty.

Feeling Nervous Is Normal

It’s completely normal to feel nervous before starting therapy. Many people worry about:

  • What questions will I be asked?

  • What if I don’t know how to respond?

  • Will I feel comfortable sharing?

  • Is this therapist going to be the right fit?

These are very common concerns. A good therapist understands this and will take things slowly, giving you space to ease into the process!

Before the Session: What to Expect

Before your first appointment, your therapist will ask you (or your parent if you are a minor) to complete a few forms. These usually include:

  • Intake paperwork – questions about your history, current struggles, and goals for therapy

  • Informed consent – your rights and responsibilities as a client

  • HIPAA forms – how your privacy and confidentiality are protected

This step helps your counselor begin to understand your background and ensures everything is in place for you to start therapy.

During the Session: What to Expect

The first session is not about solving everything at once—it’s about building trust. It’s a chance for your therapist to get to know you, and for you to get a feel for them.

Your counselor may ask questions like:

  • What prompted you to seek therapy?

  • What are your current struggles, and how long have you been experiencing them?

  • What’s your personal history (family, mental health, spiritual background, etc.)?

  • What are your goals for therapy?

  • What current coping strategies or supports do you have?

Remember: you are in control. If a question feels uncomfortable, you don’t have to answer it. You can share at your own pace.

This conversation is meant to be a safe space—not an interrogation. By the end, you and your therapist will begin setting goals for counseling and discussing what approaches may be most helpful, such as:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): identifying and reframing unhelpful thought patterns

  • Solution-Focused Therapy: building solutions instead of staying stuck in problems

  • Strength-Based Therapy: highlighting your natural strengths to promote growth

  • Faith-Based Christian Counseling: integrating biblical truth with professional therapy

Most therapists, including myself at Take Heart Christian Counseling, take a collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to your needs and preferences.

After the Session: What Happens Next

It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions after your first appointment. You may feel:

  • Relief

  • Excitement to get started

  • Vulnerable or even emotionally drained (“a vulnerability hangover”)

All of these are normal responses. Feeling some discomfort doesn’t mean therapy isn’t working—often, it’s a sign that important work has begun.

Is the Therapist the Right Fit?

One of the most important factors in therapy success is the therapeutic relationship—how safe, understood, and connected you feel with your therapist. Sometimes the connection is instant; other times, it takes a few sessions to build.

If after a few sessions you feel things aren’t clicking, it’s okay to bring it up with your therapist. While it may feel awkward, this conversation can help clarify whether it’s something to work through together or whether a referral to another counselor might be best. A good therapist wants you to find the right fit—even if it’s not with them.

Final Thoughts

Starting therapy takes courage. You don’t have to feel 100% ready—you just need to take one step forward. At Take Heart Christian Counseling, I walk alongside you at a pace that feels right, integrating professional techniques with faith when desired.

If you’re ready to take the first step, I’d love to connect with you. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, explore whether I’m the right fit, and begin the journey toward healing.

Contact us today to schedule your first session with a Christian therapist in Bradenton—or online anywhere in Florida or Ohio.

FAQ: Your First Counseling Session

How long does the first therapy session last?
At Take Heart Christian Counseling, the first session typically lasts somewhere between 55-75 minutes. A little longer than a typical therapy session. This gives us plenty of time to talk through your goals, your background, and what you’re hoping to get out of counseling.

Can I talk about my faith in counseling?
Yes! At Take Heart Christian Counseling, faith is welcomed into the therapy room if you want it to be. As a Christian therapist, I integrate biblical truth with proven therapy approaches to support your healing.

Do you offer therapy in Bradenton only, or also online?
I provide in-person counseling in Bradenton, FL, as well as secure online therapy for clients anywhere in Florida or Ohio. This makes it easy to receive support no matter your location.

What if I feel nervous or don’t know what to say?
That’s completely normal. Your first session is about building trust, not having the “perfect words.” You can share at your own pace, and as your therapist, I will help guide the conversation in a way that feels safe and supportive.

How do I know if this therapist is the right fit for me?
The connection between client and therapist is one of the most important factors in successful counseling. Sometimes it clicks right away, and sometimes it takes a few sessions. If you’re not sure, I encourage you to bring it up so we can talk through it together. I also offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions before starting.

 
Lauren Ramsey