Hi there,
I’m Terry Jordan, and I want to start by saying how proud I am of you for considering therapy. Taking that first step can feel intimidating, but it’s also incredibly brave. If you’re reading this, it means you’re ready to start a journey toward healing and growth, and I want you to know that you’re not alone—I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way.
Let me walk you through what you can expect during your first therapy session.
Before We Meet
First, I want to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible before your session. You’ll likely fill out some paperwork beforehand—just some basic questions about your medical and mental health history, current concerns, and what you’re hoping to gain from therapy.
If you’re not sure what your goals are yet, don’t worry. You don’t need to have everything figured out right away. We’ll take our time together to explore where you’re at and what you need. Therapy is a process, and we’ll go at a pace that feels right for you.
Our First Session Together
When you walk into my office—or log into our virtual session—you can expect a warm, welcoming space where you’re free to be yourself. My priority is to create a safe environment where you feel comfortable sharing, no matter what you’re going through.
We’ll start by getting to know each other. I’ll ask questions about your life—things like what brought you to therapy, any challenges you’re facing, and what’s been on your mind lately. You don’t have to share everything all at once, and there’s no “right” way to answer. Just start wherever you feel comfortable, and we’ll go from there.
As we talk, I’ll listen carefully, not just to what you’re saying, but to how you’re feeling. My goal isn’t to fix or judge you; it’s to understand your story and work with you to create a path forward.
What We’ll Talk About
During our first session, we’ll touch on:
- What brings you to therapy: Whether it’s stress, sadness, or a sense that something in your life isn’t working, I’m here to help you unpack it.
- Your background: This helps me understand your experiences and the context of your current challenges.
- Your goals: We’ll talk about what you hope to get out of therapy, but don’t worry if you’re not sure yet. Clarity will come with time.
It’s Okay to Feel Nervous
I know it’s not always easy to open up about personal feelings—especially with someone you’ve just met. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, unsure, or even skeptical about therapy. That’s why I focus on making the experience as gentle and supportive as possible.
Therapy isn’t about perfection or quick fixes. It’s about taking the first step, even if it’s a small one, toward understanding yourself better and finding tools that can help you.
After Our Session
When our first session is over, take some time to reflect. How did you feel during our conversation? Did you feel heard, respected, and comfortable? Therapy is a relationship, and it’s important that you feel like we’re a good fit. If there’s something you’re unsure about, I encourage you to bring it up in our next session—we can work through it together.
Therapy is a journey, and the first session is just the beginning. Over time, we’ll dive deeper into the issues you’re facing, uncover patterns, and build new ways of thinking and coping. My goal is to empower you, helping you grow into the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.
Let’s Take This Journey Together
You don’t have to have all the answers to start therapy. All you need is a willingness to take that first step. And if you’re feeling unsure or scared, that’s okay—I’ll be here to guide and support you along the way.
No matter where you are in life right now, there’s always hope for change, healing, and growth. I’m honored to be a part of your journey, and I can’t wait to help you discover the strength and resilience that’s already within you.
Take a deep breath—you’ve got this, and I’ve got you.
Warmly,
Terry Jordan
InnerVisions
