The first session is not a test, and you are not expected to tell your whole story at once. Above all, it is a meeting for getting acquainted and finding a direction. You may arrive with a clearly defined problem, several overlapping difficulties, or simply a sense that something is no longer working as you would like.
We discuss what led you to seek support, when the difficulties began, how they affect your life, and what you have tried so far. The pace of the conversation is adapted to your comfort. You are free to say that a subject feels too difficult at that moment or that you need more time before discussing it.
Clarifying goals is an important part of the first meeting. Sometimes the goal is concrete — managing panic attacks, reducing exhaustion, or improving communication. At other times, the direction becomes clearer over time. You do not need a perfect formulation from the beginning; we can develop it together.
I explain how I work, the limits of confidentiality, session length, and practical arrangements. You may ask questions about the process, the methods used, or anything else that may influence your decision to continue.
At the end, we discuss a possible direction and an initial session frequency. The first session is also an opportunity to notice whether you feel sufficiently safe and understood to begin a therapeutic process. The fit matters, and the decision to continue is yours.